New market research has revealed that half of parents of working adults surveyed in Birmingham are so proud of their child’s career achievements, they’re conscious it can be seen as “boasting” or “bragging” when telling others about them.

Two in five (40%) parents in Birmingham who let other people know about their child's achievements love telling their grown-up children how proud they are of them - even if they find it annoying or embarrassing. 

When asked what makes them most proud, 40% said it’s the person they have grown up to become.

The national survey of over 2,000 parents of working adults, aged 18 and over in England, was carried out for ‘Get Into Teaching’ – the national campaign aimed at encouraging people to consider teaching as a career. It explores the sense of pride parents derive from their children’s current job or career, and how they would feel if their child was in a role with a greater sense of purpose.

When thinking about alternative career options, more than half (53%) of parents in Birmingham said they would feel even more proud if their child was working in a role considered to be giving something back to society, such as healthcare or education. And when asked about teaching as a career, over four fifths (83%) said if their child were to pursue a career in the classroom, they would feel proud telling others about it4, with 74% believing that their child would make a good teacher5.

Coinciding with today’s new findings, the ‘Get Into Teaching’ campaign has released a new online video featuring clips from interviews with members of the public. The short film captures the pride and kudos parents get from their child’s career achievements, particularly those who are parents of teachers.

Abed Ahmed, Head of Maths at King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls' Academy in Birmingham, said: “Every day as a teacher, I realise just how privileged I am to teach the future leaders of tomorrow. Teaching can be hard work, however it's the students that keep reminding you of your ‘WHY’.

“There is nothing like teaching - children grow, their personalities develop and watching them thrive and learn is the most satisfying part of the job. My parents have always been proud to tell others that I am a teacher, and I am happy that I have made them proud.”

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the ‘Get Into Teaching’ campaign and a National Leader of Education, said: “Our research highlights how much pride parents up and down the country feel about their children’s achievements when it comes to work, and they’re not shy about telling others about it!

“Yet it’s also interesting to hear how they would feel even more proud if their child was working in a role considered to be giving something back – and how many believe their child would make a good teacher. At a time when many final year university students and recent graduates are exploring their future career options, I would encourage anyone interested in a career that allows you to make your mark on the world to consider teaching.

“Teaching is exciting and dynamic – and one that will make you proud too.” As a teacher you can help create a society where everyone, wherever they live, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, education, or age has the opportunity to succeed.