Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the National College for School Leadership
Thank you for your letter of 10 July, regarding
our additional evidence to the Committee about teacher numbers
and the comments made by Mr Doug McAvoy on 23 June.
We consider that it is difficult to compare
numbers of teachers over time due to the changing shape of the
profession. A number of those individuals who do not have Qualified
Teacher Status (QTS) will be very experienced teachers from overseas,
who do not therefore have a qualification which would be recognised
within our education system. Others will be working towards QTS
through new routes into teaching and we should take care not to
undermine the diversity of routes into teaching by questioning
the status of those who participate.
The figures quoted by Mr McAvoy reveal the increasing
diversity of the teaching profession which we believe should be
welcomed for its potential to expose our school children to different
cultures and experiences. However, it is also important to retain
a core of experienced and qualified teachers who can assure the
quality of education and continuity of pastoral care for pupils,
as well as providing valuable links with parents and the wider
community.
We hope that these comments are helpful.
15 July 2003
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