Maori teachers to begin training

Press, 3 February 1987, Page 5

Maori teachers to begin training

The demand for Maori

language and culture teachers has led to a new scheme which begins this week.

Forty fluent Maori speakers will begin a year’s course at teachers’ colleges. The trainees have all been selected by Maori elders for ability in Maori language and an understanding of Maori culture. From 280 applicants, a final 40 were chosen by representatives of the Post-Primary Teachers’ Association, the Secondary School Boards’ Associatin, and the Education

Department. Entry to a one-year course in secondary teaching , normally requires a university degree.

Under this scheme to train Maori teachers, called Te Atakura, the selection process is considered the equivalent of a degree. The department’s director of Maori education, Mr Willie Kaa, said the 40 came from wide-ranging backgrounds • including air-hostessing, shearing, and clerical work.

Six trainees will begin at Christchurch Teachers’ College this week.

The principal of the college, Dr Colin Knight, said the Maori teachers would be expected to give support to Maori pupils, and to act as a resource person for other staff. The teachers would also liaise between the school and the Maori community.