Bonding Of Teachers

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29330, 8 October 1960, Page 12

Bonding Of Teachers

« Because too many teachers are being lost to New Zealand soon ’"'after training, the Education Boards’ Association is justified r? in asking for the reintroduction "*“of the bonding system. Monetary penalties for default are not the •» ■> best means of ensuring satisfactory professional service; and "I . there can be serious cifificulties ... of enforcement Nevertheless the bonding system si ould help to impress upon trainee teachers that they have a debt to discharge to the community which pays for their .raining. The - shortage of teachers has impelled successive governments to offer generous training facilities and financial inducements. It is common knowledge that some students .ccept teach-

ing bursaries not b.<ause they intend teaching to be their permanent occupation but, because they can thus prepare most advantageously for other activities. Bonding has been criticised because it may deter some students from becoming teachers. It will not deter those who feel a true v-cation for teaching—those who usually make the best teartiers. Any bonding system needs to be operated discreetly, so that undue hardships are avoided. If a bond can-toe enforced against young teachers who trifle with their obligations, it will help to guarantee that ouoljc money is used for the proper purposes, and not solely for »he students’ personal advantage.