A 'must read' letter to Nicky Morgan... Well said Vic!

[breward]

Vic Goddard is the Head Teacher from 'Educating Essex'. He has written an open letter to Nicky Morgan. Please read.

The comments from other HT make interesting reading too.

passmorespedagogy.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/a-letter-to-the-secretary-of-state/

I know recruitment is hard in Essex with outstanding primaries getting no applicants for jobs, but I am amazed that schools are spending tens of thousands on recruitment. Shocking and worrying especially having to look to Canada and S Africa to recruit a maths teacher.

We have recruited in maths and science from australia, South Africa Canada, the U.S. And interview these teachers through Skype. The only ones that worked out are the ones from N. Ireland. The others cannot cope with the stress of teaching in this country. One stayed for 6 weeks and went back to Aus. Our school workload isn't that bad compared to some.

Sounds like a well-meaning honest person, I would happily have a latte with him - but.... he doesn't actually make any suggestions.
Surely a letter like that is only a whinge if there is not a call to action and a clear outlining of what he actually wants her to do. Same as (to use his phraseology) the response - it is all 'what is not going well', and no 'would be better if...'

headguruteacher.com/2015/05/10/dear-nicky-an-open-letter/

This Headteacher has a few suggestions.