First Edition, March 2025
Commonwealth Teachers Group (CTG)
A profession the world needs: reclaiming trust and status in teaching By Rebeca Logan, Director of Campaigns and Communication, Education International A profession the world needs: reclaiming trust and status in teaching
The latest Global Status of Teachers Report by Education International (EI) presents a stark portrayal of a profession
on the brink. Drawing on insights from 204 education unions across 121 countries, the report identifies severe
teacher shortages across all levels of education, driven by inadequate salaries, lack of recognition, and deteriorating
working conditions.
Authored by Dr. Ben Arnold and Dr. Mark Rahimi from Deakin University in Australia, EI’s flagship report provides a
comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing teachers worldwide. The findings confirm what
education unions have long warned: without urgent reforms, the teaching profession risks collapse in many parts of
the world.
What do we mean by teacher status?
Despite their vital role, teachers across the globe remain undervalued, with limited professional autonomy,
restricted labor rights, and a lack of public recognition for their expertise and contribution. At the same time,
deteriorating working conditions leave them struggling with large class sizes, administrative burdens, and growing
emotional demands, all exacerbated by inadequate mental health support and unsupportive work environments.
Education is relational, not transactional. The status of teachers extends beyond material compensation. It is a
multifaceted concept shaped by how teachers are treated, valued, and supported. According to the report, three
key aspects define it: economic security, professional recognition, and working conditions.
Competitive salaries that reflect teachers’ qualifications and responsibilities are essential to attract and retain the
professionals we need to deliver quality education. But financial stability alone is not enough. Teachers must be
recognised as experts in their field and granted professional autonomy, with a real voice in shaping education
policies that affect their work and their students' futures.
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