The people who deliver everything.
WHAT DETERMINES QUALITY
The teachers, more than any other factor.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE HIRING
The qualifications required, by regulation and by your standard What experience matters What subjects and levels
WHAT TO VERIFY
Certificates, with the issuing institution Professional registration, where required References, by speaking to them
WHY VERIFY CERTIFICATES
Falsified qualifications are common enough to check every time.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Subject knowledge Ability to explain How they manage a class How they treat students
HOW TO ASSESS TEACHING
A demonstration lesson, with real students.
WHY REAL STUDENTS
Interviews do not reveal classroom ability.
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE ANY APPOINTMENT
Background, appropriate to working with children.
WHY
It is a fundamental safeguarding obligation.
WHAT DRIVES RETENTION
Being paid properly and on time Reasonable workload Support and development Being treated with respect Resources to do the job
WHY PAYING ON TIME MATTERS ENORMOUSLY
Late salaries are the commonest cause of teacher departure.
WHAT TURNOVER COSTS
Disruption to students Recruitment Training Reputation with parents
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Development, which is valued and inexpensive.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Retention, year to year.
