Yet again, Sir Michael Wilshaw is in the news debasing the teaching profession. And if it isn’t Sir Michael then it seems to be Michael Gove. I am now in my 11th year of teaching, and I am successful and well respected. So why do I want to get out?

It seems that society distrusts teachers and views us as lazy; it is assumed that most of us leave at 3pm on the dot and we do no work at weekends and during our holidays. This perception seems to be perpetuated by government. I would like Sir Michael to examine my bag if I leave before 5pm, as I’m sure he’ll find a good few hours of work in there.

The “all stick and no carrot” approach is one that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere soon, so it is with regret that I seek employment outside of education.

Name and address supplied.