Training for Teachers

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 112, 13 May 1941, Page 8

Training for Teachers

REFRESHER COURSES IN PROGRESS Commendation of the response made by teachers within the Wanganui Education Board’s area iu attending refresher courses being held at Wanganui and at Palmerston North this week was expressed when the latter course opened at the Central School yesterday. Representing the Wanganui Education Board, Mr. W. H. Brown said that there were 470 teachers within its area and 300 Avero attending the courses, this ratio, about 60 per cent., being most gratifying. Mr. E. Crosby, formerly the acting-chief inspector for the board, who is in charge of the course, also expressed his appreciation of the attendance and mentioned that about 120 teachers were expected to attend the course in the city, eA'en though special licenses for benzine had not been available. The course embraees%Jectures by persons of authority in various forms of teaching, and special emphasis is laid on the study of neAv methods of physical education uoav being extended through the educational system of the Dominion. Teachers from both public and private schools are present. Mr. Crosby said that for too long physical education had been in the background of primary teaching. From his observations teachers had become discouraged in teaching it because of a lack of instruction available to them, and the speaker commended the interest taken in the course, which would give special attention to this side of teaching. A welcome to the city Avas extended by the Mayor (Mu A. E. Mansford), who said the teaching professsion Avas the most important in the life of the nation, and lie compared the remuneration available to the return given certain Government servants. After this war new men and new methods AvouJd bo wanted, and these men Avould be found among the schools of to-day. He was quite sure that the teachers would bo worthy of their task. Mr. BroAvn submitted apologies for absence from Messrs. E. F. Hemingway (chairman of tho board, who Avas at Wanganui) and W. G. Black (of Palmerston North, also a member of the board) who Avas unable to be present. After referring to the number of teachers present Mr. Brown congratulated them on their interest in attending the courses in the A'acation and at their OAvn expense. The Director of Education (Dr. C. E. C. Beebv) is to speak at ho gathering to-day and those conducting the special classes in the- course of the week are Messrs. P. A. Smithclls (Wellington), B. N. T. Blako (Wanganui), O. Banner (Wellington). A. Budd (Palmerston North), and Misses F. E. Lowrv* (Wellington) and A. Stevens (Wanganui). The local committee comprises Mr. E. Bary (who is the chairman), Mrs. J. Walker, and Messrs. K. White and Iv. B. DaAvkins (secretary).