Overview

Teacher Autonomy is a compelling exploration of the erosion of teacher independence in an era dominated by high-stakes accountability, rigid educational frameworks and a growing distrust of educators. This thought-provoking book delves into the history of autonomy in primary education, examining how shifts in policy and systems have drained creativity, individuality and meaningful connection from classrooms, leaving educators and learners alike disengaged and unmotivated. Through the voices of real educators, including teachers, teaching assistants, senior leaders and early years practitioners, this book paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those on the frontlines of education. It highlights the far-reaching consequences of reduced autonomy, from teacher attrition and low morale to school refusal, mental health struggles and pupil behaviour issues. In response to this, it offers a call to action and provides practical strategies, moments of reflection and actionable solutions to empower educators and leaders to reclaim their professional independence. Covering key topics such as Ofsted, observation and accountability, planning and assessment, teacher retention, teamwork, and mental health and wellbeing, each chapter ignites vital conversations about the future of education. This book is a must-read for teachers, school leaders and policymakers at any stage of their career, offering valuable insights into how to rebuild trust, foster creativity and rekindle meaningful connections at the core of teaching, as well as navigate the change in the current educational landscape.

Full Product Details

9781032874586

Table of Contents

Reviews

“Sophie's book has such powerful possibilities…” Greg Bottrill, Author and childhood advocate “The US and England have experimented recently with top-down, government-mandated control of what teachers and their students can do in the classroom and how both are evaluated. The results have been disastrous. Kids dislike school at record rates, meaningful learning has declined, and mental disorders among kids have skyrocketed. Please read and act on Sophie Smith-Tong’s impassioned and practical guide for bringing teacher autonomy and sanity back to schools.” Peter Gray, Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College, USA. ""Although teacher autonomy matters a great deal, this book is so much more than this. It is about what education means, and how children learn. This is a brilliant book, it is comprehensive, powerfully written with numerous case-studies and commentaries. It deserves to be read by everyone who cares about the future of education, our children and their teachers."" Dr Sue Roffey, Honorary A/Professor UCL, Director of Growing Great Schools Worldwide and author of ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All. “You need to read this book. It is thought provoking, relevant and necessary to the conversation around teacher retention and recruitment. What has happened to teacher autonomy? Sophie Smith-Tong examines in detail how we have reached this point, what is happening now and what the future holds. Drawing also on a range of voices across education, Sophie presents the case for our educators to have autonomy and agency, to take responsibility and not to be shoehorned into the narrow confines of faceless prescribed lesson plans and soulless policies. Autonomy doesn’t mean being off the leash, it is about professional progress and professionalism, personal development and personality. Whether teacher or leader, you need to read this book. You won’t regret it.” Andrew Cowley, Wellbeing Consultant, Speaker, Author and Coach.

Author Information

Sophie Smith-Tong has over 15 years’ experience as a primary teacher and is the founder of Mindfulness for learning. A passionate advocate for teacher wellbeing, she frequently speaks on the topic, including at the Institute of Education. In addition to her work as an educator, she is a Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead and Early Years Specialist, a family wellbeing consultant and hosts a regular podcast on education and family wellbeing.

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