Morgan calls for people at the end of their careers to consider teaching
Speaking at the Teach First Impact Conference, Morgan responded to recent criticism of her plans to get retired professionals into the classroom, by saying she wants the knowledge and experience of those at the end of their careers to compliment the energy that young graduates bring to the classroom.
Morgan said: “I attracted some criticism recently for suggesting that those at the end of their career should consider going into teaching. Some sought to caricature this as me forcing octogenarians to lead PE lessons.
“But I stand by that statement - because just as I want dynamic young graduates to bring their energy and wanderlust in the classroom, so too I want those with years of experience in a range of careers to bring their wealth of knowledge into the classroom as well.
“I want lifelong teachers to have their work complemented by lessons from former civil engineers, stage managers, barristers and meteorologists. I believe that those at the end of their careers have a huge amount to offer our classrooms.”
She added: “So, I now intend to do more to encourage and facilitate those at any stage of their career to get into teaching; to realise the rewards it has to offer and to be able to play their part in engaging the next generation.”
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