Australian Teachers’ Perceptions of Safety, Violence and Limited Support in Their Workplaces

Abstract

In the context of teaching workforce shortages, this study examined teachers’ perceptions of safety, role satisfaction, and their intent to remain in the profession, in Australia. Findings from two iterations of a survey of a total of 8293 teachers revealed that 20% to 25% of participants felt unsafe in their schools. The results also showed that those who felt unsafe were less likely to be satisfied with the role and more likely to intend to leave the profession. Sources of safety concerns included student and parent behaviors along with a lack of support from schools and systems. The findings highlight an urgent need to better understand how schools and education systems might foster safer, more inclusive and positive learning environments.