It's not so easy for teachers

4:41pm Thursday 6th September 2001

I am writing in response to Andrew Parkes' comment (News Shopper, August 29).

So, he wants what the teachers get. Since March I have been taking a Year 2 class. I arrive at 7.30am and leave at 6pm. Apart from actually teaching, we have long, medium and short-term planning, lesson preparation, searching for resources, photocopying, arranging and sorting out the classroom and equipment, marking, staff and parent consultations, setting targets, training and assessments.

I also have to assess, under SATS regulations, reading and writing, test and mark spelling, reading comprehension and maths. In addition, I make assessments on three aspects of English, three of maths and four of science for each child; the results entered on two lots of forms. A reading test carried out, marked and entered into school records with assessment levels for all subjects. Then I write a three-page report on all subjects for each child.

Andrew Parkes may get shorter holidays but he probably doesn't do any more work. Most teachers will be working during their 13-week holiday (which includes the bank holidays).

Mrs P A Cornelius

Address supplied

REPLY FROM ANDREW PARKES

Having been a teacher before moving to journalism, I can assure Mrs Cornelius I do know how many hours members of both professions do. I have found both teaching and journalism to be marvellously rewarding and hard work but, sorry, I'd still prefer the teacher's hours.

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