Over half of adults in Norwich wish they had expressed more gratitude to their teachers

New market research released today reveals that over half (55%) of adults surveyed in Norwich admit that looking back now they wish they had expressed more gratitude for the efforts of their teachers and the positive impact they were making*.

Thinking about the person they have become, more than one in three (36%) adults in Norwich agree** that there are many meaningful life lessons they learnt from their schoolteachers that go way beyond the classroom – from realising they can achieve and become anything they set their mind to, to trusting their instincts and remaining true to themselves¹. A similar amount (39%) agree** it was their teachers who helped prepare them for the wider world*, according to the survey.

When asked about the impact their teachers had on them, acknowledging that their teachers motivated them to push themselves, built their confidence, and guided them through some challenging times², were among the responses from people in Norwich.

The national survey of over 2,000 adults in England was carried out for Get into Teaching – the national campaign aimed at encouraging people to consider teaching as a career. It explores some of the broader life lessons from people’s school days, as well as some of the lighter moments they remember in class and what they would say to their former teachers now if they could.

Coinciding with today’s new findings, the campaign has also released a new online ‘life lessons’ film featuring heart-warming and candid contributions from members of the public about the encouragement and support they received from their former teachers – through the fun times, as well as the more challenging times at school.

Reminiscing about school days is also important to many people in Norwich as two fifths (41%) say this is a popular topic of conversation when catching-up with old friends*. More than three fifths of adults (61%) in the city admit they enjoyed the lighter moments and funny things that would happen in class alongside the learning*.

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader of Education, said: “

“Our research highlights just how many people recognise the positive influence of teachers and appreciate their efforts, even if they couldn’t always see it at the time. Aside from loved ones, teachers are the professionals that spend most time with young people, nurturing them, building their confidence and encouraging them to do their best.

“When it comes to a role that can have a meaningful and lasting impact, there are few other careers than can truly compete.

“I would encourage anyone searching for an exciting, varied and rewarding career – from those who’ll be graduating this summer through to those considering a new career path – to visit the Get Into Teaching website to find out more.”

To find out more about initial teacher training starting from September, and the free support available, visit: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800 389 2500.

¹Realising they can achieve and become anything they set their mind to (22%), to trusting their instincts and remaining true to themselves (20%)

² Acknowledging that it was their teachers who motivated them to push themselves (25%), built their confidence (17%), and guided them through some challenging times (17%)

* This finding combines respondents who said, “Yes, definitely” and “Yes, maybe”

** This finding combines respondents who said, “Strongly agree” and “Agree”