* In suggesting that teachers’ most important role is encouraging and modelling what matters most in a well-balanced life, Neil Hawkes (TES, February 11) brings into sharp focus the large gap between best practice and the reality.
For my doctoral research, I have spent the last year listening to secondary teachers talk about their lives in an increasingly prescriptive, outcome-driven system. Most observe that there is little time even to talk to colleagues, let alone reflect on the integrity of their lives. Only when they are given time to recognise, or revisit their own values and beliefs, can they hope to withstand the vicissitudes of policies and initiatives Roz Sunley (former secondary teacher, doing doctoral studies at Bristol University) 59 Baileys Barn Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire
