Next to Nellie?

In my letter of 6 June (“Answer to education crisis is not ‘instant teachers’ but respect for the profession”) I submitted that the Scottish Government’s decision to adopt a Scottish version of the Teach First model of teacher education was a retrograde and illconsidered step. Comments received in response appear to confirm that, broadly speaking, the professional community in Scotland does not support the Teach First initiative; it is regarded as a dilutionary measure out of keeping with the culture of Scottish education. So what can be done about it?

Firstly, university Schools of Education should decline to provide the short preparatory course required by the Teach First approach before the “teachers” go into the schools. That would be a principled stance which would make clear they are unwilling to be associated with this unwelcome development.

Secondly, the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) is responsible for ensuring that all courses of initial teacher education are of such professional quality as to supply the schools with teachers who are professionally competent in all respects. Courses on the Teach First model cannot comply with the rigorous accreditation criteria which have been established, and on this basis the GTCS should decline to approve such courses as leading to teacher registration. The GTCS should recall the key reason for its creation and stand firm. If it does, it will earn a huge amount of respect from the professional community.

I hope that one way or another the Scottish Government’s plans for a “Sitting by Nellie” approach to teacher education will be frustrated. Put bluntly, they represent not only an erosion of professional standards, but a further assault on the status of the already demoralised teaching profession in Scotland. If they are allowed to proceed, Scottish education will pay a heavy price in the long term. (DR) IVOR SUTHERLAND Bonnington Road, Peebles