Good degree 'not the only thing teachers need'

Having a good degree will not necessarily make you a successful teacher, it has been claimed.

Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Professor Robert Bowen of Nottingham Trent University, said it is important that graduates have the right characteristics, as well as desirable qualifications.

"It is all very well having the top qualifications, but they must be able to use that to get it across to children," he commented.

Professor Bowen's comments come after the government announced plans to give top graduates bursaries of up to £20,000 to train as teachers.

"There is a shortage compared to other countries and it is vital for the future of our children. But having good qualifications is only one dimension of being a good teacher," he said.

The government is particularly keen to attract quality graduates as maths and science teachers as there are currently shortages in these areas.

Posted by Katy Kearns
 

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