Posted by braemar
There was a report from HMIE which indicated that to stop teachers becoming “stale”, they should be transferred between schools. It’ll be interesting to see how this works in practice, if it does ever happen. For example, a teacher who works in a desirable school and is quite happy being there - would they want to move to a less desirable school?
Posted by minivan
Of course they wouldn’t. I don’t think that’s the point. I’ve worked in very “desirable” schools and very “undesirable” schools - and the kids are just kids, wherever. Still, it might be nice to see some of those who complacently see themselves as working at the “best” schools offer a little of their expertise to the “worst” schools. (I’m being ironic, by the way.)
Posted by isil
I think being able to put yourself forward for a transfer, so you can move round and gain new experience, would be great. I know a few experienced teachers who like the school they are in, but would love the challenge of a new environment and new ways of doing things. In the current job climate, there is no way they can get to move round and gain different experiences.
Posted by davieee
I think it would be a good idea to swap schools for a week or two during the exam leave to see how other schools work.
Posted by Flyonthewall75
Most LAs used to offer voluntary transfers to allow staff to gain experience in a different school setting, but that provision seems to have dried up. I also know of a number of experienced promoted staff who have retired and then continued to accept supply work in a range of schools. They found it was a lot harder to manage pupil behaviour in an unfamiliar setting, because as far as the pupils were concerned they were just another supply teacher. Being a “capable” teacher is sometimes as much about the position you hold in a familiar school, as it is about personal teaching qualities.
It would be a good idea to have demonstration classes within schools, staffed on a sabbatical basis by HMIE inspectors. This would hopefully ensure inspectors kept their practical teaching skills up-to-date, minimise the introduction of impractical initiatives and raise the standing of HMIE within the profession.
www.tes.co.ukscotland, then go to Forums and Opinion.
