This Much I Know About Truly Great Secondary Teachers

John Tomsett has been a teacher since 1988 and a head teacher since 2003. He is head teacher at Huntington School, York. Tomsett writes a blog called 'This much I know ...' and is a regular contributor to the TES. He co-founded The Headteachers' Roundtable think tank and is a popular speaker on school leadership. He is determined to remain a classroom teacher, despite the demands of headship, and believes that developing truly great teaching is the main responsibility of all head teachers.

Truly Great Secondary Teachers is full of insights into what makes a truly great teacher. With a deep respect for the teachers profiled in this book, John Tomsett does a fantastic job of highlighting the key features of effective teaching. The lesson visits, student feedback and testimonials offer a powerful sense of the impact that a great teacher can have on young lives. The author's reflections on his own experience of great teachers are particularly compelling. The key elements are identified: high expectations, meticulous planning, good behaviour management, relentlessness and consistency. But, above all else, a deep commitment to young people is the key attribute that every outstanding teacher shares. This book is an inspiring and informative read for anyone interested in becoming a great teacher.Brenda Landers