Great, Efficient Teachers Make Primary School Students Earn More in the Future

Study reveals that a teacher's influence can make or break a student's future income. Good teachers can influence kids as young as four to earn more in the future, while strict teachers can be worse at inspiring students.

New research from Durham University entitled "The Economic Benefits of Effective Reception Classes in England" declared that kids who start school in the most effective classes could expect a more boosted income in the future compared to their peers in their adult life.

Students earn an average of £2,000 to £7,500 more when they are brought up in the most effective classes. That is almost $2,500 to $9,000 in America. The top two and a half percent performing classes made up of 27 students in England can build up the U.K. economy at about £50,000 and £200,000 or $62,000 and almost $250,000 in value.

Importance of great teachers

Researchers analyzed two previous studies. One was on the impact of reception classes on attaining the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), while the second was on the earnings returns associated with GCSEs.

Looking at the student's progress, the new research showed that teachers could greatly influence children as young as four years old in terms of their future earnings. Therefore, education can play a crucial role in the outcome of a student's future income.

Further, according to Durham University and its Department of Education, social and economic returns from investing in high-quality classes during children's early learning years can be much higher than the study has estimated, especially for disadvantaged students.

"We have previously shown that exceptional teaching in reception can have a long-term impact - up to GCSE level - but now, working with the Department for Education, we have been able to show that it influences later earnings too. Many will be surprised to see this but it shows the importance of great teachers working with young children," Durham University's Professor from the School of Education, Peter Tymms, proclaimed.

Importance of a good primary school

James Bowen, director of policy for the school leaders' union, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), stated that the study confirms how essential the early years of children's education are. The study emphasized how primary school sets students up for the "best success," not only in what they can academically attain in the future but also their life chances.

He further stressed how "great teachers" in the classrooms can make an adverse impact and make a real difference in students' lives, Daily Mail reported.

A spokesperson from the Department for Education cannot agree any better, reminding the community, especially the parents, of the significance of investing in Math and English during primary school.

The spokesperson assured that the government has been raising its standard for primary school, especially for the last decade, as it introduced the phonics screening and multiplication tables checks, which are tested approaches that can improve the students' "fluency in literacy and mathematics."

Bowen further reminded parents and the government that it is equally important to recognize that the years before kids go to class are as crucial. Children should have the support they need as they encounter challenges before school.