Australian politicians trust scientists on Covid. Why don’t they listen to teachers on school reform? | Pasi Sahlberg

Education systems that treat teachers as trusted professionals adjusted better to pandemic disruption, research suggests

If remote learning has shown parents anything, it is a renewed appreciation for the job that teachers do. Now as teachers return to school in the coming weeks, at least in New South Wales, it's a chance to ask some consequential questions: Are the teacher policies what they should be to improve education in these uncertain times? Is teaching such an attractive career choice that there will be enough qualified teachers in all parts of this country? Can we promise that all children will have a teacher who is able to teach the complex skills and knowledge they will need in life?

The short answer to all these questions is unfortunately no". Right now, Australia and many other countries are facing serious teacher shortages. Many teachers are leaving the profession before they reach their fifth year. At the same time the number of young people interested in becoming teachers has declined.