From Struggles to Solutions: Addressing 7 Key Challenges in Teaching

Teachers, does this sound familiar?

You pour your heart and soul into your lessons. But amidst the joy of teaching, you find yourself struggling with the latest teaching apps your school asked you to use. The frustration is real, and it starts to feel like you're drowning in a sea of new technology.

Or maybe you've dedicated years to your profession, giving your all, day in and day out, but that well-deserved promotion remains elusive. It feels like you’re hitting an invisible wall, and the growth you crave is just out of reach.

As rewarding as teaching can be, it comes with its own set of classroom challenges and difficulties. 

But, you’re not alone. Many teachers face similar hurdles in their teaching career. But with the right strategies and support, you can navigate these challenges effectively. 

In this blog, we’ll explore 7 teaching challenges faced by teachers and how to tackle them head-on. Plus, we’ll share real-life success stories from teachers who’ve turned their careers around with determination and a little help. So let’s get started with it!‍

Whether you’re a new educator or a seasoned teacher, you’ve likely faced obstacles that test your patience, skills, and dedication. In this section, we’ll explore the seven most common challenges that teachers encounter and provide practical solutions to overcome them. 

You’ve been dedicating hours to your students, putting in extra effort to make each lesson engaging. But despite all your hard work, it feels like you’re stuck in the same place with no significant financial rewards or career advancement in sight.

It’s frustrating, especially when you see others moving up or getting recognized while you’re left wondering what more you can do.

It’s one of the most common of the 7 challenges in teaching among educators. 

In fact, according to a recent survey by the Education Week Research Center, about 40% of teachers reported feeling undervalued, which correlates with frustration over stagnated career growth and salary issues.

So, what can you do to change this situation? Let’s look at some solutions that can help you move forward from this teaching challenge.

Solution:

1. Upskilling: One effective way to break through this barrier is by continuously improving your skills. Think of it as upgrading your toolkit. By enrolling in relevant upskilling courses or attending workshops, you can enhance your teaching abilities and make yourself a more valuable asset to your school. 
   
   This not only boosts your confidence but also demonstrates your commitment to growth, making you a stronger candidate for promotions and salary increases.

2. Networking: Building a strong professional network is another powerful strategy. It’s not just about knowing people but having meaningful conversations with mentors and teaching experts who can offer guidance and support. 
   
   Attend online events, join relevant groups, and connect with others in your field. These connections can provide you with valuable advice, advocate for you, and even recommend you for opportunities that might lead to career advancement.

Case Study: Ethel Sojo

Let’s take a look at Ethel Sojo’s journey to illustrate how these strategies can make a difference.

Background: Ethel Sojo, a HomeRoom Teacher with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, was based in Ajman, UAE. After two years in her role, she felt ready for a promotion but struggled to make progress.

What Ethel Did:

1. Received Mentorship: Ethel started by seeking targeted mentorship, which helped build her confidence and provided expert guidance tailored to her goals.
2. Aligned Teaching Skills with Global Standards: She enrolled in Suraasa’s upskilling program to align her teaching practices with international standards and enhance her ability to handle diverse learning environments.
3. Refined Her Practice: Ethel learned the latest teaching technologies to better engage her students.
4. Networked Effectively: She built a strong professional network, forming meaningful relationships with mentors and colleagues who supported her career growth.

Outcome: Ethel’s hard work paid off when she was promoted to Head of Department. She now oversees 17 teachers and 17 teacher assistants.

You can watch Ethel’s full success story here. Her story highlights how targeted upskilling and effective networking can lead to significant career advancements.

By following Ethel’s example and focusing on upskilling and networking, you too can achieve the career growth and recognition you deserve.

You’ve been an outstanding teacher in your home country. But now, you’re dreaming bigger — you want to take your teaching career international. However, the path to landing a teaching job abroad can seem daunting, filled with requirements and standards that differ from what you’re used to.

As per various surveys and studies, on an average 30% of teachers interested in international jobs struggle with meeting the diverse certification and qualification requirements. So you see, it is one of the common challenges faced by teachers in teaching that many teachers face.

So, what can you do to make your dream of teaching abroad a reality? Let’s look at some solutions to help you overcome it.

‍Solution:

1. Globally Recognized Qualifications: One of the first steps is to ensure your qualifications are recognized internationally. Enroll in programs that offer recognized certifications equivalent to those required in your desired teaching destination. This not only makes you eligible for international jobs but also boosts your credibility as a qualified educator.
2. Teaching Programs that Help with International Jobs: Seek out teaching programs specifically designed to prepare educators for international positions. These programs often include training on global teaching standards, technology integration, and strategies for diverse classrooms, making you a more attractive candidate for schools abroad.

Case Study: Reena Ramesh

Let’s take a look at Reena Ramesh’s journey to illustrate how these strategies can make a difference.

Background: Reena Ramesh, a Special Educator with an M.A. in Special Education & SENco, was based in Bangalore, India. After seven years of teaching, she aspired to work internationally but faced classroom challenges and difficulties in aligning her skills with US educational standards.

What Reena Did:

1. Received Mentorship: Reena began by seeking targeted mentorship, which helped her build confidence and provided expert guidance tailored to her goals.
2. Aligned Teaching Skills with US Educational Standards: She enrolled in Suraasa’s program to align her teaching practices with US standards.
3. Earned Globally Recognized Credentials: She obtained certifications equivalent to a US teaching license.
4. Utilized Suraasa’s Career Support: She built a professional network, received job recommendations, and connected with top schools across the USA.

Outcome: Reena’s dedication paid off when she secured a position as a Special Educator in a public school in the USA. Due to her enhanced skills, she also received multiple job offers from international schools in India and Dubai.

You can watch Reena’s full success story here. Her story highlights how globally recognized certifications and effective career support can lead to desired career outcomes.

By following Ethel’s example and focusing on upskilling and networking, you too can achieve the career growth and recognition you deserve.

Technology has become an integral part of teaching, transforming the way we teach and learn. However, for many educators, incorporating technology effectively into the classroom can be a daunting task.

It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological advancements. According to a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics, about 50% of teachers feel inadequately prepared to use technology in their classrooms. 

The challenge lies in not just understanding these tools but using them to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

So, what can you do to navigate this one of the 7 challenges in teaching? Let’s look at some solutions that can help you effectively integrate technology into your teaching.

Solution:

1. Masterclasses from Experts: Attending masterclasses conducted by teaching experts can provide you with the insights and practical skills needed to leverage technology in your teaching. These sessions often cover the latest tools, platforms, and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning.
2. Upskilling Programs: Enroll in upskilling programs designed to equip teachers with the necessary technological skills. These programs offer structured training on integrating technology into your lesson plans, assessing digital tools, and creating a tech-savvy classroom environment.
3. Teaching Resources: Utilize available teaching resources such as online tutorials, webinars, and interactive guides. These resources can help you stay updated with the latest educational technologies and how to implement them effectively in your classroom.

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Watch this masterclass and learn how to use AI to create differentiated activities and lesson plans.

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Case Study: Abiola John Opeagbe

Let’s take a look at Abiola John Opeagbe’s journey to illustrate how these above-listed solutions can help you with this teaching challenge of embracing technology.

Background: Abiola John Opeagbe, an Economics and Business Studies Tutor with an MS in Economics, was based in Lagos, Nigeria. Despite his 11 years of teaching experience, he struggled to integrate technology into his classroom effectively.

What Abiola Did:

1. Received Targeted Mentorship: Abiola began by seeking mentorship, which helped him understand the best practices for using technology in education.
2. Attended Masterclasses: He attended masterclasses by educational experts, gaining valuable insights into modern educational practices.
3. Enrolled in Upskilling Programs: Abiola enrolled in Suraasa’s upskilling programs to upgrade his teaching methods by integrating technology effectively.
4. Utilized Teaching Resources: He made use of various teaching resources provided by Suraasa to stay updated with the latest tools and strategies.

Outcome: Abiola’s efforts paid off when he was awarded by his school for his exemplary integration of technology into teaching. He also took on the responsibility of teaching technology integration to his fellow teachers and colleagues.

You can watch Abiola’s full success story here. His story highlights how targeted upskilling and effective use of teaching resources can lead to significant improvements in classroom technology integration.

Finding a teaching job that not only aligns with your career goals but also offers personal satisfaction can be a daunting task. The competition is fierce, and securing a position that matches your skills, and aspirations, and provides a good salary can often feel like an uphill battle.

In fact, a report by UNESCO found that attrition rates among primary teachers almost doubled from 4.62 percent globally in 2015 to 9.06 in 2022, with teachers often leaving the profession within their initial five years.

This highlights the challenges many teachers face in finding fulfilling positions that meet their professional and financial expectations.

So, what can you do to navigate this challenge in teaching? Let’s look at some solutions that can help you secure a fulfilling teaching job.

Solution:

1. ‍Upskilling and Certification: Continuously improving your skills and obtaining relevant certifications can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Enroll in professional development courses and learn skills that are in high demand in your desired teaching area.
2. Networking and Professional Connections: Building a strong professional network can significantly enhance your job search. Attend educational conferences, join teaching associations, and connect with other educators on professional platforms. 
   
   These connections can provide job leads, recommendations, and valuable advice on securing fulfilling positions.

Case Study: Bilal Raza

Let’s take a look at Bilal Raza’s journey to illustrate how these strategies can make a difference.

Background: Bilal Raza, an English Language Teacher with an M.Ed and M.A. in Linguistics & Literature, was based in Dubai, UAE. Despite six years of teaching experience, he was seeking a new job with better salary prospects and more responsibilities.

What Bilal Did:

1. Received Targeted Mentorship: Bilal began by seeking mentorship, which helped him understand the best practices for job searching and preparing for interviews.
2. Upskilled and Earned Certifications: He enrolled in Suraasa’s professional upskilling programs to align his skills with the demands of the job market.
3. Interview Preparation: Suraasa gave Bilal comprehensive preparation with mock sessions and expert feedback to effectively secure new jobs and advance in his career.

Outcome: Bilal’s efforts paid off when he secured a new job as the Head of the English Department in Ras al-Khaimah, UAE. In one year, he gained additional responsibilities, including being a member of the School Development Review SPEA inspection team, a Phase Head in middle leadership, and an internal and external professional development trainer.

You can watch Bilal’s full success story here. His story highlights how targeted upskilling and effective employability skills can lead to significant career advancements.

Keeping students engaged in the classroom is a challenge many teachers face. With distractions everywhere and varying student interests, it can be tough to maintain their focus and interest in the subject matter. 

According to reports, around 31% of high school students report that they are bored in class. This highlights the need for effective strategies to keep students engaged and motivated.

So, what can you do to improve student engagement in your classroom? Let’s look at some solutions that can help you tackle this challenge.

Solution:

1. ‍Masterclasses by Experts: Attending masterclasses conducted by teaching experts can provide you with new techniques and methods to engage students. These classes offer insights into effective teaching strategies and innovative approaches to capture students' interest.
2. Learning from Different Teachers: Observing and learning from other experienced teachers can help you understand different engagement techniques. This can include classroom management, interactive teaching methods, and ways to create a more dynamic learning environment.
3. ‍Targeted Courses: Enrolling in courses focused on student engagement can equip you with specific skills and strategies to maintain student interest. These courses often provide practical tips and tools that can be implemented directly in your classroom.

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Case Study: Usaid Mohammed Baig

Let’s take a look at Usaid Mohammed Baig’s journey to illustrate how these strategies can make a difference.

Background: Usaid Mohammed Baig, an Instructor at Equall with a background in Mechanical Engineering, was passionate about teaching but struggled to effectively engage his students.

What Usaid Did:

1. Attended Masterclasses: Usaid participated in masterclasses by teaching experts, which provided him with new techniques and methods to engage his students.
2. Learned from Different Teachers: He observed and learned from other experienced teachers, gaining insights into effective classroom management and interactive teaching methods.
3. Enrolled in Targeted Courses: Usaid enrolled in courses focused on student engagement, which equipped him with practical skills to maintain student interest.

Outcome: Usaid successfully transformed his teaching approach, enhancing the learning experience for his students. He took on projects with an Edtech company and significantly improved his students' engagement and learning outcomes. He also received positive feedback from students in both offline and online environments, and

You can watch Usaid’s full success story here. His story highlights how masterclasses, learning from different teachers, and targeted courses can lead to significant improvements in student engagement.

Teaching methods are evolving rapidly, and what worked a few years ago might not be effective today. If you find yourself relying on outdated techniques, you might struggle to keep students engaged and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. 

According to the reports, only 60% of secondary school teachers use traditional teaching methods in their classrooms. This gap underscores the need for continuous upskilling to stay current with educational best practices.

So, how can you update your teaching methods? Let’s look at some solutions that can help you address this challenge.

Solution:

1. ‍Blogs by Experts: Read blogs written by educators to learn about the latest teaching strategies and technologies. These resources can provide you with practical insights and tools to modernize your teaching approach.
2. Upskilling Programs: Enroll in upskilling programs that focus on contemporary teaching methods. These programs can help you learn new instructional techniques, integrate technology effectively, and create a more engaging learning environment.
3. ‍Get Inspired: Listen to inspiring stories of teachers and what they do differently. Accessing their thought process, techniques, and words of wisdom can inspire you and ensure that your teaching practice is in the right place.

Case Study: Rekha Joly

Let’s take a look at Rekha Joly’s journey to illustrate how these strategies can make a difference.

Background: Rekha Joly, a teacher for grades 8-12 at Camp K12, found herself using traditional teaching methods and struggling to engage her students effectively.

What Rekha Did:

1. Upskilling Programs: She enrolled in Suraasa’s upskilling programs, gaining knowledge on various modern teaching methodologies such as VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) learning styles, group projects, differentiated instruction, and effective feedback strategies.
2. Teaching Resources: Rekha utilized updated teaching resources such as blogs, podcasts, masterclasses, and webinars to make her classes more interactive, fun, and student-friendly.

Outcome: Rekha transformed her teaching style and made her classroom more engaging. She was recognized as one of the top 10 teachers at Camp K12. Her classes became more interactive, and she now feels more confident and prepared to make a positive impact on her students.

You can watch Rekha’s full success story here. Her story highlights how utilizing modern teaching resources and upskilling can lead to significant improvements in teaching methods.

One of the most exhausting aspects of teaching is the never-ending administrative tasks. From grading papers to creating lesson plans, the sheer volume of paperwork can leave you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

This constant juggling of teaching and administrative duties can sap your energy, leaving little time for what you love most – teaching your students. It’s a common issue that not only affects your well-being but also the quality of education you provide.

So, how can you navigate this challenge in teaching? Let’s look at some solutions that can help you address it.

Solutions:

1. ‍Utilize AI Tools: Incorporate tools like the Lesson Plan Generator, Rubric Generator, and Quiz Generator. These AI-powered tools are designed to save you significant time by automating repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.‍
2. Attend Webinars: Participate in webinars conducted by specialists. These sessions offer valuable insights and practical tips on how to manage administrative tasks efficiently, helping you stay organized and reduce burnout.‍
3. Talk to a Mentor: Sometimes, the best way to handle burnout is to seek guidance from a mentor. A mentor can provide personalized advice and strategies to help you manage your workload more effectively and maintain your passion for teaching.
   
   By leveraging these solutions and seeking support from mentors, you can reclaim your time and energy, ensuring that you remain passionate and effective in your teaching role.

Remember, every great teacher has faced and conquered challenges in teaching—so can you! Don’t be afraid to seek help when needed. Your journey as an educator is filled with opportunities for growth and success.

Embrace each of these 7 challenges in teaching as a stepping stone to becoming an even better teacher. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and let your passion for teaching drive you forward. 

You have the power to inspire and make a difference in countless lives—so go ahead, keep pushing boundaries and reaching for new heights!