Worrying 'secret teacher' article in Guardian

[PastSellByDate]

I read this today at lunch: www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/may/17/secret-teacher-education-students-targets

First - sad that a teacher has left the profession because of SMG 'gaming' school results

Second - agree with 'secret teacher' this is no good for children.

I'm sure this isn't every school - but my oh my it resonates for my experience of St. Mediocre.

I teach and I think learning walks are fine as long as they're for the right reasons. All staff at my school are encouraged to visit other classrooms. It really doesn't bother me and I don't feel I'm being checked up on. In fact it can be a lovely opportunity to praise the class or specific students to another member of staff. Or if a student has been a pain I can mention it!

The only time I've felt uncomfortable was when a member of staff I didn't know and who wasn't SLT turned up and watched at least 20 minutes of my lesson without saying anything. I still have no idea why he was there, in fact this thread has reminded me to track him down and ask!

To me (and this is just my opinion!) learning walks seem to undermine the teacher?

As a parent I find that article incredibly sad and I worry for my DS.

I 100% respect teachers and I feel so worried about the future of our education system.