Teachers around the world had their physical health put at risk when they were required to provide face-to-face education for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children, according to the United Nations.
Teachers’ fear of being exposed to the virus was compounded by the danger of losing salaries and benefits in some countries, while many also faced increased workloads and family responsibilities, a UN policy brief states.
It adds that this was especially true for female teachers “who had to continue working and bore a disproportionate share of family responsibilities”.
It also warned that many more teachers will need psychological support themselves “if they are to meet the needs of their students”.
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Without this, the brief continues, the strain could lead to burnout, resulting in high rates of absenteeism - and undermining teacher retention.
Released today, the document contains recommendations for governments, world leaders and the education community and urging action to prevent the education disruption caused by the pandemic from becoming what UN secretary-general António Guterres called a generational catastrophe.
The impact of the pandemic on teachers worldwide was outlined in the brief, along with the acknowledgement that the pandemic has put their importance in the spotlight.
The document states: “Teachers’ physical health was put at risk when required to provide face-to-face education for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children.”
It adds: “We have also been reminded of the essential role of teachers and that governments and other key partners have an ongoing duty of care to education personnel.”
Regarding the financial impact of the pandemic, the UN explains that furloughing and delays in salary payments were a more common occurrence than countries not paying statutory teachers.
In the public sector, teachers on temporary contracts were especially affected, as contracts were not renewed and those paid by the hour were out of work.
In low-income countries in particular, where parents stopped paying fees or teachers have been unable to teach remotely, teachers lost their livelihoods, the brief explains.
A survey quoted in the brief revealed that, among 93 teacher unions from 67 countries, nearly two-thirds reported that education workers in private institutions were significantly affected, with teachers on temporary contracts and support personnel most affected.
Supply teachers were also especially affected.
The National Union of Teaching was quoted in the survey as saying that supply and other staff were no longer employed in the same numbers since most schools were closed.
The brief also explained that the pandemic has highlighted a need to reform both initial and in-service teacher education to ensure teachers are confident using new methods of education delivery, such as remote learning.
