Suggestions To Reduce Shortage Of Teachers

Press, Volume C, Issue 29587, 9 August 1961, Page 12

Suggestions To Reduce Shortage Of Teachers

A definite programme to meet the immediate emergency of she teacher shortage and to improve tKHsnal recruitment was submitted by the Educational Institute to the recent conference called by the Education Department. Proposals were:— “(1) Organise a national campaign for trained teachers to return to the service and offer paid re-entry courses. Abolish scale VI and exempt teachers from country service at the age of 30. “(2) Recruit vigorously overseas for trained teachers at both primary and postprimary level. There is a proven field in Great Britain and South Africa may have teachers anxious to work here permanently. Teachers from Australia and Canada would probably not be attracted by present, salaries but some may be willing to come for two or three years. “(3) Provide for personnel and recruitment officers in education - boards to reduce losses and trained teachers and teachers in training.” Normal Recruitment The Dominion conference urged that a minimum starting salary of £Bl5 be offered for certified teachers and this also was advanced. The institute urged the department to begin recruitment and selection for 1962 early because many pupils who might lake up teaching were enticed later in the year to other occupations. Post-primary pupils selected for training should be engaged from the end of the school year and paid an

allowance so that they felt that they were immediately part of the education service. Provision could be made for them to start at teachers’ colleges with a few days' induction course in December so that they could start their own reading. Some qualified pupils who had left post-primary school for other work could be recruited as teacher-aids until they began their college course. Training facilities should be expanded for February, 1562. by using extra existing buildings. Hostels should be increased and improved. The quota system of selection should be abolished. ‘ We believe that the lowering of the entrance qualification to school certificate level has discouraged students with higher educational qualifications.” the institute said. “In spite of the shortage of teachers it would be to the long-term advantage of recruiting if the minimum standard of entry for male students next year was set at endorsed school certificate. A three-year course for selected male students could also be started next year, even if the third year of training -was postponed.” Fewer Sheep.— The number of sheep in Australia fell by 2,500.000 to 152.667.000 in the 12 months ended March 31. according to official figures released today by the Commonwealth Statistician (Mr S. R. Carver). This was the first reversal in the steady upward trend since 1947. Canberra. August 7.