Crisis in teaching

The current shortage of teachers in Scotland, particularly maths teachers, is the icing on the cake in relation to our declining education system.

The recent spat in parliament between Ruth Davidson and Nicola Sturgeon over whether or not a teacher qualified to teach in England is also qualified to teach in Scotland is largely irrelevant.

The problem we have is that maths and science graduates see an underpaid, overworkedprofession, with much reduced opportunities for promotion, in a secondary system which is over-assessed and undervalued.

The constant low-level indiscipline in some classes, recently dismissed as trivial by Larry Flanagan of the EIS, is a further deterrent. As a former teacher himself, albeit some time ago, he should know better. Joining an education system which appears to be in steady decline, with morale so low that 40 per cent intend to leave if they can, is not an attractive prospect for bright, young potential teachers.

Being taught mathematics or science by a non-specialist teacher is a recipe for

lower standards or outright failure. And you can be pretty sure that the shortage will be most acute in the schools which serve disadvantaged pupils. Fat chance of closing the attainment gap using teachers who have no expertise in the subject.

The SNP have had total control of our education system for the last ten years. They carry full responsibility for the falling standards, low morale in schools and the current teacher shortage. Nicola Sturgeon asked us to judge her on education outcomes. I think we have.

CAROLE FORD

Former president, School Leaders Scotland, Terregles Avenue, Glasgow