After thirty years, Education Secretary Michael Gove has decided to seek forgiveness for his treatment of former teacher Mr Montgomery, for his unruly behaviour in class.
The MP admits to competing amongst his friends to “embarrass” his former teacher – his interests more akin to causing mischief rather than participating in class. Gove dedicated himself to “showing-off” and asking “clever dick questions” in futile attempts to disrupt the lesson.
Gove conjectures that the particular teacher in question posed such a desirable target to the “hormonal lads” because he himself was only a few years their superior, making him “a rookie in the classroom – and therefore ripe for ragging".
Thirty years later the secretary has realised his mistakes; "As I’ve grown up […] my gratitude only grows. To you, and to everyone else in your profession," he says. He applauds teachers’ tolerance, persistence and commitment to their subjects, even in the face of an otherwise wilful audience, and acknowledges now that misbehaving means you will miss out.
For the full article, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-20034101.