Leading article: Teaching - only the best need apply
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Another of Michael Gove's cherished ideas as Education Secretary is now being challenged. A report out today shows that if he gets his way, and only those graduates with at least a 2:2 degree qualify for state funding to train as teachers, many shortage subjects – such as languages and sciences – will suffer disproportionately. This poses a dilemma: is it better for pupils to be taught by an able teacher who has not specialised in the given subject, or a teacher who has specialised, but not done especially well?
Ideally, the general job situation, plus generous bursaries for shortage subjects, will help to attract better qualified graduates. The profession should also recognise that improving the calibre of recruits is a way to raise its status. Our entry standards for teachers are among the least demanding in Europe.
Yet it must also be accepted that there are gifted teachers who did not achieve a 2:2, and that for those wanting to teach some, perhaps less traditional, subjects other sorts of qualification or experience might be considered. These, however, should be the exception. Mr Gove's instinct is right: we need better teachers – even if, initially, this means fewer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments