Less that half of Fife’s education staff would recommend working for Fife Council, according to a new poll.
Only 49% of teachers and other education workers said the region was a great place to work.
And just 55% believe the demands on them are manageable.
The staff wellbeing survey carried out earlier this year also found only 49% believe their school is managed effectively.
And 51% feel involved in job decisions.
Teacher survey shows ‘staff deserve better’
The results were revealed as teachers in Fife joined colleagues across Scotland in voting for strike action over pay.
And they have prompted concern within the council which has pledged to look at how improvements can be made.
Labour councillor Linda Erskine said: “If this was a report card it would read must try harder.
“I think our staff deserve better than they get in this survey.”
Secondary school teachers less satisfied
Just 57% of teachers and education staff responded to the anonymous online survey.
Officers said the take-up was lower than normal because another staff survey launched at much the same time.
While most teachers were confident they could carry out their jobs effectively and had a clear understanding of their roles, other results were less positive.
Almost everyone said they had good support from their line manager.
But only 55% said there was effective communication within schools.
And those working in the secondary sector were found to be less satisfied than those in primary schools.
Fears for mental health
Mrs Erskine added: “There are some positives but we have to focus on the negatives to make the required improvements.”
And Lib Dem councillor Aude Boubaker-Calder said she was extremely worried.
“This is presumably going to have an impact on both the mental health of teachers as well as the education of pupils,” she said.
“The council needs to take on board these concerns and look to see how they can better manage the workload of teachers.”
‘Committed to always improving’
Head of education Shelagh McLean said the education service was working with trade unions to address the demands on teachers.
“In respect of the working environment, that’s something we discuss and look at at a local level,” she said.
“We’re happy to reflect on everything. We need to understand why our staff feel a particular way.”
And staff wellbeing manager Murray McBain added: “It’s really important that we listen to staff.
“We’re really committed to always improving.”
Conversation