‘Brazenly Elitist’ and Definitely Welcome
A General Election is imminent, and David Cameron and the rest of the Conservative Party are eager to remind us of this. Promises of change and pledges towards a new and improved Britain is the recurring message underlying statements issued by the Tories.
As part of this series of pledges and promises, Cameron
recently unveiled plans of how the Tories wish to improve education standards
in Britain. Cameron said that under Tory rule, teaching is to become a
‘brazenly elitist’ profession, by excluding applicants with third class degrees
from public funding for the required teacher training. This should attract
graduates of a higher calibre and subsequently help to cast respect and
prestige over a profession with a supposedly waning reputation.
Openly advocating elitism (even done by a Conservative candidate) is not likely to go down well in a society like Britain, which is still coming to terms with its social heirarchy. Criticism was expected. But the opposition to this proposal in the mainstream media was still somewhat surprising. After all, what’s wrong with seeking to raise the standard of state-provided education? There are tough criteria in place to enter the law and medical professions. Despite the financial meltdown and ensuing economic turmoil, graduate entry into the financial realm is still very competitive and the recruitment process is likewise highly selective.
So the question remains: isn’t it only natural that we should seek to attract the very best and most capable to provide education for the children who are the future of the nation? Shouldn’t we expect that teachers of given subjects had excelled in those subjects themselves, showing dedication to the knowledge they are in charge of passing on? Personally, I welcome this proposal, which seems to me to be anything but elitist, judging by the nature of its objectives.
Of course, a good teacher isn’t made by his or her university degree classification, and the teaching profession will not become the Rolls Royce of occupations overnight. However, encouraging bright candidates to seriously consider the teaching profession as an opportunity to prove their capabilities, develop their intellect, and be respected for their trade, should be applauded. Not forgetting the generous holidays.
Perhaps if criteria for teaching in state schools came became more similar to those of grammar and public schools, there would be less need to discuss admission ratios of state versus public school into higher education. For now, this is only speculation, but David Cameron’s move looks like a step forwards, not back.
(Photo courtesy www.edwardmoss.co.uk)
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