ENGLISH TEACHERS

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 12

ENGLISH TEACHERS

CRITICISM OF EXCHANGES RESENTED. [Per Press Association]. , • WELLINGTON, February 9. In an interview, the acting-secre-tarv of the New Zealand Educational Institute (Mr. D. C. Pryor) said that the attention of the institute had been drawn to the report of a recent meeting of the Auckland Education Board, at which reference was made to the alleged inefficiency of two English exchange teachers. -“This was the opinion of one headmaster only,” said Mr. Pryor. “So far as the institute has been able to ascertain from its members, this is not the general experience. “The exchange system has been giving complete satisfaction and over seas teachers have adapted themselves very well to New Zealand conditions,” he continued. “Those we have met professionally and socially are a very fine type of teacher. . “Throughout the service there is widespread appreciation of the benefits to be obtained from the exchange of teachers. New ideas and new blood are continuously being infused into the system to the benefit of everybody concerned. Not the least important aspect is the experience and knowledge gained overseas by New Zealand exchange teachers who have returned to communicate the results of their work to their fellow teachers. “For these reasons, the institute deplores the widespread publicity given to an isolated case, based on the opinion of a single headmaster Criticism of this kind casts a reflection on all overseas visitors, who, in our opinion, are not only giving satisfactory service but are bringing a welcome leaven of new ideas to teaching in New Zealand," added Mr. Pryor. ___________