Exactly who is governing us?

An article on that well known news site, (the one run by the Broken Biscuit Company) says a recent survey shows that up to half the UK’s teachers plan to quit in the next two years. It cites long working hours and low morale as the major factors. Yes, I know many of you believe they have a short working day and long holidays, but I can
tell you, this is far from the truth. With lesson preparation, marking etc.,  a lot of unpaid time is used up.  I should know, I’m married to one. So I understand their frustration and anger.

I did a little research, (that’s what we authors do,) and came up with the following appointees;

Nick Gibb, Current Minister of State for Schools.
Studied law and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

Michael Gove,  Secretary of State for Education, 2010-2014.
Former Journalist.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, 2007-2010.
Economic advisor and journalist.

Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, 2006-2007.
Former full time Union Leader

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, 2004-2006.
Studied economics. Had teaching experience, at University level, but whilst already in politics.

Charles Clarke, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, 2002-2004.
Studied mathematics and economics. Involved in Public Affairs Management consultancy prior to politics

In fact, we have to go back to 2001 to find someone with a background in education.
Estelle Morris was Secretary of State for Education and Skills from 2001, until her resignation in 2002, when she stated that she didn’t feel up to the job. She graduated with a BEd. Prior to her, the Secretary of State was David Blunkett,  who  studied Political Theory and Institutions, and also gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

As you can see, we need to go back thirteen years to find anyone before we can find some who has a background in education. These are the people who are in the powerful position of deciding how our children are educated,

Given the track record of  governments, past and present, I am just thankful they are not responsible for appointing people to all jobs in the UK. Would you be comfortable on your next flight to Tenerife, to discover your pilot was a former milkman who had no experience in aviation, until his appointment by the government? (Well, how hard can it be? Pull to go up, push to go down, it’s OK Ernie, you’ll be fine.) Or would you be happy driving at 70mph on the motorway knowing a former butcher, with no mechanical training, was the last person to service your car (actually, I think I have driven a few of these over the years.) Yet, successive governments, and by an overwhelming majority in recent years, think that education should be guided by economists, lawyers and journalists.

So perhaps it would be a sensible move to appoint a teacher as Chancellor of the Exchequer, especially as I discovered that since 1993, none of the appointees have a background in economics!

Explains so much, doesn’t it?