New school staff must have right "personal qualities"

Good communication skills are one of the key qualities of a good teacher, an expert in the field has argued.

According to Martin Johnson, deputy general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, the right "personal qualities" are paramount when recruiting school staff.

He noted that in most cases, "very high-quality people" are taking up teaching jobs in the UK.

However, Mr Johsnon suggested that it is important that they get the opportunity to develop their knowledge.

"What is important and will help develop the profession and develop the quality of teaching is if all teachers had the opportunity to study for a master's in a time and a way that suits them," he stated.

Mr Johnson was speaking after shadow schools secretary Michael Gove told the Independent that the restoration of respect for teaching would be made a priority under a Conservative administration.

The teaching professional acknowledged that the fact that high-flying graduates are "less well represented" in the sector could be a symptom of the "esteem in which education is held".

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