The article “Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teachers” (TES Magazine, May 8) was interesting but rather thin in substance. Stating that teachers are generally confident, good communicators who sometimes have to make difficult decisions and are generally non-conformists is blindingly obvious when you meet any group of teachers. I have lost count of the times that I have sat on holiday and played “spot the teacher”.

But the suggestion that effective teachers are able to see the bigger picture and look outside their schools into the wider world is fascinating. In my experience, teachers don’t get the chance to look more broadly even at their own teaching - they have to look at the detail all the time.

Tim Fulford, Freelance professional trainer and education consultant, York.