NICHOLAS Woolley (TES, March 21) is wrong in his argument that teachers should leave subject specialisms behind and concentrate on promoting themselves as teachers.
The basis for his view is that a first degree does not make you a specialist. This may well be the case. However, a first degree suggests an area of interest, an enthusiasm, and a subject you were inspired to commit three years of your life to.
Mr Woolley argues that any half-competent graduate can teach any subject to children up to the age of 16. Again, he may be right. But there is a difference between reciting facts you have swotted up on the night before and dishing out worksheets, and really inspiring pupils.
Children meet enough competent sheet distributors. What they need is excitement, inspiration and passion.
Joanna Williams 36 Durham Close, Canterbury, Kent
