Something that has really bugged me in the last few days is the repeated citation of the independent sector as evidence that QTS is an unnessary and irksome hurdle to becoming a teacher. The casual observer would be forgiven for thinking that the entire workforce of the private sector is made up of unqualified staff all of whom are endearingly 'eccentric' and 'quirky' individuals who quite possibly would never cut it in the real world.
Now in my tenth year working within the sector, I would agree that, in my experience, these sorts can be found hopping and skipping their merry ways along the corridors of many an independent school, but, in preparatory schools at least, they tend to be in the minority. Myself and the vast majority of my colleagues are fully qualified and experienced teachers who have spent at least some of our careers working in state schools. As a member of my own school's SLT I can say with confidence that QTS is an important factor when we consider appointments and that in my experience, although not perfect, QTS does provide some measure of quality assurance.
The pernicious adage, ' Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach' has always annoyed me, I know it shouldn't, but it does. I always want to shout, 'No! I chose to become a teacher. Not because I couldn't do anything else, but because I wanted to. Don't belittle it and frame it as an easy option - it's not.' In all sincerity, I don't believe it is possible to do this job unless you want to and even then that's sometimes not enough. At one of my previous (independent) schools an unqualified graduate with a positively glowing CV in terms of expertise in her particular field was appointed and she was certainly not lacking in enthusiasm. However, despite this, it turned out that she simply couldn't manage a class and after a painful year for both her and her students, her temporary contract was not renewed.
My point is that, if nothing else, going through the 'hoop' of gaining QTS does allow some sifting out of those who see teaching as an easy option or who are simply not cut out for it. Surely this can only be a good thing whether for state or independent schools? We are all playing a part in shaping the adults of our country's future. Yes, we need talented and bright graduates, but if they are put off teaching because they need to gain a specific qualification then it is doubtful they will possess the commitment needed to stick with teaching in the long term. Perhaps they should pursue a career in engineering or law instead? But, hang on...
