WHAT a sweeping generalisation Eric Leaver makes on supply teachers (LET, February 13).

Having taken up stopgap supply work to escape an unhappy teaching job, I was never again given permanent work.

Despite a very good reputation in the classroom, moving around was seen as a lack of strength in this area or that, one age range or another.

Supply pay is 'feast and famine.' Excellent pay is quickly neutralised by the lean periods.

Despite financing an Open University degree, no one was impressed. Local management of schools next ensured that young teachers were a cheaper and more viable proposition to employ.

One teacher's skills and training have been thoroughly wasted. More fool me for hanging on, but I only ever wanted to teach!

No gravy train here, Mr Leaver. I need to somehow plug my pension gaps as the current system plugs its own teacher shortage -- by recruiting Europeans.

Name and address received.