The level of skill required for technicians is not reflected in their salaries, say teachers. Practical work will suffer without them.
A recent article by Andy Chandler-Grevatt discussed highlights released from the Association for Science Education (ASE) Technician Survey. It presents a worrying decline in science technician support, particularly for state schools.
It is hard to imagine a science department without technicians, but that is the reality for an increasing number of schools
Andy Chandler-Grevatt, Losing our technicians: the crisis facing schools
Here’s what readers think …
Pay for technicians is simply too low
The answer is in the article: "The level of pay available is a significant factor in reducing the pool of applicants."
— Chemistry Network (@chemnet_au) November 6, 2017
Minimum wage has risen faster than tech pay thus devaluing the job. A 39wk contract gives a worse annual income than minimum wage 52 wk job.
— K Auton (@nerdmigo) November 6, 2017
Not easy to find a second job for 1 week here and a couple of weeks there to make up for lack of weeks worked/ paid.
— K Auton (@nerdmigo) November 6, 2017
I had to leave, was bringing up my family on credit cards and overdrafts
— KT (@katevowell) November 7, 2017
Our workload has increased. Another 2 hours unpaid work today, 10 mins lunch / E-mails. Today pressure to train as first aider #asechat https://t.co/n57AlYQtWs
— Sandrine Bouchelkia (@sandrine9210) November 6, 2017
A technician’s role is highly skilled
I think one big problem is the poor salary for a job that actually requires significant expertise.
— Alom Shaha (@alomshaha) November 7, 2017
Couldn't teach without our wonderful technicians. Poorly paid for a job which requires real expertise. #science #teaching #Technician https://t.co/mGjfXhpKKU
— Alister Talbot (@AlisterTalbot) November 7, 2017
School management don’t understand the technician role
Technicians are easy targets for financial cuts by senior management, who often undervalue their expertise
Andy Chandler-Grevatt, Losing our technicians: the crisis facing schools
and presumably keeps costs lower…#outrageous
— Linda Needham (@NeedhamL56) November 7, 2017
Without technicians, practical science in schools will suffer
EVERYTHING that makes Science different to other subjects relies on technicians. Undervalue them, and you will lose what makes Science great https://t.co/UOVjw3NUqZ
— Mr E Douglas (@ScienceDouglas) November 7, 2017
I certainly agree that without sufficient technician support, practicals in schools will suffer.
— Alom Shaha (@alomshaha) November 7, 2017
This is too important to ignore. Technicians are central to ensuring a high quality science education for our students. #asechat https://t.co/Dy2wAjpK7R
— Helen Harden (@hecharden) November 7, 2017
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