STRONG CRITICISM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 43, 19 January 1938, Page 10

STRONG CRITICISM.

TEACHERS ON EXCHANGE. LACK OF DISCIPLINE ALLEGED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Jan. 19. That classes under the control of two exchange teachers from London were lacking in discipline and developed into “more or less of a rabble” were charges in a letter received from the headmaster of the school concerned, at to-day’s meeting of the Auckland Education Board.

“A few days after these teachers, a male and a female, took over the discipline and order disappeared, despite the efforts of the infant mistress and myself to encourage the teachers to take a grip of their classes. Judged by New Zealand standards, the two teachers would have been classed as very inefficient. Both classes went back _ in their work, so much so that complaints from parents. A New Zealand relieving teacher who took over one of the classes had it in the hollow of her hand in a few minutes.

“Both exchange teachers seemed to think teaching only a small part of their job, but that observation' in other schools was the main feature. They made little effort, if any. to fit in with the work of the school. If this is the type of teacher being sent out in 1938 I would suggest that if possible these teachers he attached to schools for -a short period only and then not be given complete charge of a class,” the letter added. The acting-chairman (Hon. A. Burns) said the board should not condemn all exchange teachers because of two who might be misfits. It was decided to send a copy of the letter to the Education Department.