Teacher training

Press, 30 May 1983, Page 16

Teacher training

Sir,—ln response to F. N. Wylde’s query (May 6), about the number of applicants to teacher training who declined the offer of positions in teachers’ colleges, I would state that all the statistics received by the Teacher Trainees’ Association from regional education boards entirely support F. N. Wylde’s fear that we are losing more potential teachers than ever before. People who apply for teachers’ college are usually those who really want to become teachers. When significant numbers of applicants — approximately 25 per cent — then refuse offers of positions in teachers’ colleges, one can only assume that these people have been put off the idea of teaching by the information given at the interview, or that they have found other jobs with better career prospects. The T.T.A.N.Z. is therefore tremendously concerned by the number of “declines” this year, as it would appear many potentially good teachers either cannot afford to go through teachers’ college on a bursary, or have found other jobs in the private sector much more attractive. — Yours, etc., ALISON TAYLOR, President. May 26, 1983.