University Alumnus Co-Writes Teachers’ Handbook

A former student from St Mary’s University, Twickenham has co-written a career handbook for primary school teachers, which is to be published in April. Richard Greenfield, who was a student on St Mary’s Cert Ed Course from 1968 to 1971, put together The Primary Teacher's Career Handbook (Routledge 2015) with Dr Keith Richmond. The two teachers came up with the idea of the handbook after recognising that it would fill a much needed gap in professional literature on career development for teachers in primary schools, and they hope it will eventually become a core text on courses of initial teacher training throughout the country. Richard said, “We are delighted to be able to share our knowledge of our work to support new and experienced primary teachers alike in realising their career ambitions. “The decision to write the book was prompted by an awareness that no similar book exists, and a regret that nothing of the sort had been available when I was starting out. The aim was to produce a straightforward, readable guide to suit all primary teachers at any stage of their careers. It can be read by anyone and will provide words of advice and guidance on choices, applications, interviews and routes to success. It will also be a useful source for those teaching ITT students as a way of guiding them into first posts.” Richard and Keith both have many years of teaching experience as headteachers, visiting lecturers and external examiners of teacher education in various higher education institutions. The Primary Teacher's Career Handbook is to be published by Routledge and will be available to buy from April.