* THE conference voted unanimously to oppose the new post of advanced skills teachers. Delegates were told the so-called superteachers, who will be paid up to pound;40,000 and have one day a week off teaching to spread good practice, will “demoralise the bulk of the teaching force’’.
Neil Thornley, a Bacup head and north-west region council member, said the ASTs would undermine management and could lead to the demise of deputies. Heads could scupper the new grade by refusing to employ them.
