AN MP has returned to his roots in the classroom to officially recognise Britain’s oldest teacher.
Dave Robertson visited Maple Hayes Hall School to present Dr Neville Brown with a certificate acknowledging an Early Day Motion tabled in his honour in the House of Commons.
It congratulates him on his 90th birthday and more than 60 years in education, as well as recognising how his pioneering morphological approach to teaching reading had helped transform the lives of pupils with dyslexia.
Mr Robertson spoke at an assembly about his education and work in schools before he became an MP.
He said:
“It’s wonderful to be back in a Lichfield school and to have the opportunity to recognise Dr Brown’s incredible contribution to education.
“Having been a teacher myself for ten years, I have enormous respect for educators who go above and beyond to help every child succeed.
“Dr Brown’s pioneering work with dyslexic pupils has transformed countless lives, and his morphological approach offers hope to children who might otherwise struggle with traditional teaching methods.”
Mr Robertson explained to pupils how he divides his time between London and Lichfield, giving them insight into the life of an MP.
Dr Daryl Brown, co-Principal of Maple Hayes Hall School, said he was delighted to see his father’s work recognised.
He said:
“This Parliamentary acknowledgment means the world to our school community and validates the decades of innovative work my father has dedicated to helping children with dyslexia.
“The morphological approach he developed has proven that there isn’t just one way to teach reading – we must be willing to adapt our methods to meet every child’s needs.
“It’s particularly special to receive this recognition from our local MP, who understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of education.”
