Surely Rita Elliott seriously misunderstands what is required from a new teacher. In her letter (“Walk upright? Then why not take a class?”, 18 February) she suggested there is a belief that anyone who can walk upright can teach. The proper attitude - both physically and mentally - is to be bent double under the weight of regulation, expectation, criticism and lesson planning.

This is proven by the average teacher trainee’s bag, which weighs more than most donkeys would accept as reasonable.

AJ Booker, Freelance educational consultant, Beeston, Nottingham.