What’s it really like to be a science teacher?

2022’s Science Teaching Survey gathered detailed insights from over 3700 practising teachers and technicians across the UK and Ireland. These responses helped us to gain a picture of the health of our science teaching community – some of the rewards and positive aspects that contribute to great science teaching, but also the many challenges that affect learning outcomes, teacher well-being and career choices. Our 2023 survey has just launched and we’d love to hear from you – and learn from you – again.

As a learned society we are often asked for our expert opinion on themes that will inform government policy. Requests tend to come at short notice and with challenging deadlines, so having detailed and robust evidence close at hand is critical to providing quick and compelling responses.

Most recently we provided written evidence to the Education select committee on teacher recruitment, training and retention. In asking policy influencers to do more to reduce teacher workload we were able to provide evidence from 2022’s survey showing that workload and burnout have a major bearing on teachers considering leaving the profession.

Real voices make for the most compelling evidence, particularly when they represent a whole community

Another request to policymakers is for a systematic approach to CPD throughout a science teacher’s career. From last year’s survey we know that under half of secondary science teachers feel they have adequate access to high-quality subject-specific PD.

Some of the findings formed the basis of news articles in trusted papers and magazines, helping to raise the profile of the issues with a broader audience. And within the RSC I regularly hear my team members using the findings from the survey findings to help improve how we support members of the science education community.

The 2023 survey

This year’s survey is now live. It builds on some themes from last year, like access to CPD, your well-being and job satisfaction. But it also investigates new areas such as the inclusivity of our curriculums, understanding of vocational pathways and how subject experts are deployed.

When your invitation arrives, please make time to share your experiences, insights and big asks – real voices make for the most compelling evidence, particularly when they represent a whole community. It’s our mission to make sure your voices are heard loud and clear to inform better choices for the future.