The Wilderness Years: A Class Act

The Wilderness Years is the author's account of his 31 year teaching career, mainly spent in Glasgow schools. Although predominantly a humorous account of his experiences, he also recounts challenges he faced: sectarianism, pupil indiscipline, disputes with headteachers, education gurus, racism, to name but a few. His classroom experience was more varied than most teachers, having taught in so-called 'sink schools' and 'magnet schools', as well as teaching overseas. The author began his writing career in 1992, his education articles first appearing in The Times Educational Supplement. In 1998, The Scotsman newspaper gave him a weekly column. He has guested several times on Radio Scotland news programmes and has had work published by The Daily Mail and Evening Times. In 1996, following publication of his humorous novel, 'Kelly!', he dabbled in stand-up comedy, appearing at The Edinburgh Festival's 'So you Think Your Funny?'. Coming sixth of six contestants was a sobering experience. He retired from the teaching profession in August 2011 and now lives in Spain on his 'golden pension' of £9,000.