IN AN otherwise disappointing sop to the Government’s plans to restructure the teaching profession (“Judge not on results but ability”, TES, October 1) Nigel de Gruchy of the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers, makes the obvious point that due recognition must be given to teachers’ knowledge, skills and abilities. But why no mention of teachers’ qualifications?
We hear endless calls for teachers to look to their own professional development. Quite right. Doctors, in order to progress to consultant status, must acquire further credentials and other professions expect their members to be similarly qualified to post-first degree status. But teachers?
I do hope the Government puts the funding (ie, salary enhancement) to those who have undergone proper professional update.
Christopher Knight
90 Crescent Drive
Petts Wood, Kent
