How our ageing population is impacting the teaching workforce

What Australia’s ageing teacher workforce means for the profession’s more junior members.

There’s no denying it: the world’s population is ageing and almost every single country—and profession—is impacted. As for Australia, the UN forecasts that almost a quarter of us will be aged over sixty by 2030.

It’s easy to see how this demographic trend also affects our teaching workforce. In fact, according to an Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) report released in 2014, “the proportion of Australia’s teachers who are 50 years and above is higher than all but five countries, namely Italy, Estonia, Bulgaria, Latvia and Sweden.”

With the average age of Australian secondary teachers and principals being 45 and 51.5 years respectively, as also reported by ACER, this has some pretty big ramifications.

Over the next decade, the teaching profession will likely see a rise in teachers working part-time as they transition towards retirement. And this mass exodus will leave a smorgasbord of leadership roles for younger teachers to fill.

Yes, it’s a big responsibility. But it’s also an incredible opportunity. If you’re an early or mid-career teacher hoping to move up the ladder in the next few years, here’s how you can be ready to step up when it’s your turn to lead:

1. Invest in yourself

Teaching the next generation of lifelong learners requires you to be one yourself. One of the best investments you can make is in your own education and the development of your skills and interests. So why not consider completing a postgraduate qualification?

By adding another string to your bow you’ll not only be increasing your specialised knowledge, which will make you a more desirable candidate when that leadership vacancy opens up, you’ll also be engaging with the latest research and best practices that you can apply to your teaching every day.

If a return to formal study just doesn’t appeal to you, you can still keep learning in more casual and flexible ways, such as via MOOCs (massive open online courses). EdX, Coursera and FutureLearn have hundreds to choose from. And best of all, many of the courses are free.

2. Find a mentor

The right mentor can change your life or, at the very least, your perspective. Working closely with one can have enormous benefits for your professional growth. But it’s essential to find the perfect match.

Consider those in your workplace or wider circle who you admire and who are more experienced than you, taking into account their career trajectory and how their values, work ethic, and leadership style might align with—or challenge—your own.

Then approach them to see if they’ll allow you to shadow them. Start with explaining why you’ve chosen them and be open about your goals for the future. Take advantage of their experience by asking questions that let you walk a mile in their shoes.

3. Think—and act—outside the box

The 21st century school needs leaders who are responsive to rapid change. Expose yourself to new systems and ideas that are outside the education sector. Learn about others who are disrupting their fields in positive and innovative ways. You’ll be amazed at the ideas you’ll encounter from other areas that can be applied to teaching and learning.

4. Learn how to lead

Of course, being a leader is more than just a title. Even the best leaders once started at the bottom. Now’s the time to master the game before you play it. Put your hand up for smaller leadership opportunities as they arise.

Add leadership training to your annual professional development activities. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has some great resources to help you get started. Think about the skills you’ll need as a leader, including better conflict resolution, more effective communication, and handling high-stakes, pressure-cooker situations.

5. Become a little more zen

Let’s face it— sometimes it’s lonely at the top. If you’re going to last the distance in a leadership position, you’ll need to have tools to keep your sanity—and thrive! Develop your own rituals such as mindfulness meditation, journalling or weekly de-briefing sessions with a colleague who has a similar level of responsibility. These practices will help you stay calm and anchored when the going gets tough.

Most importantly, think about what you value most in other leaders and follow their example.

Angelica Hannan is a secondary English teacher of more than twelve years who specialises in gifted education. She loves nothing more than helping students find exactly what it is that sparks their curiosity. Angelica is also a writer and researcher with a strong interest in sustainability, zero waste living, behavioural economics, and progressive education systems.