I have been teaching 9 years this year (including probation). I have paid uni fees myself to become qualified in different subjects to try secure work but still have no perm post. I am mentally and physically exhausted.
The SNP do not listen when we say what their policies are doing to teachers. They blame councils and say it is up to them who they recruit but I left a secure career to become a teacher because the SNP were advertising for STEM qualified teachers with industry experience. Yet here I am, 9 years in, and no security.
My life has been on hold. I wanted a second child but can’t have one because I wouldn’t get maternity pay. I’m now approaching 40 so probably cannot have one now as I still don’t have security.
I feel changing career due to advertisements from SNP has stolen my chance at having another child. I want security. I feel worthless.
This is answer 9 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?
We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.