Student Teachers in for the Easy Life?

Last Friday, the day after the Budget was read, the President of STANZ, Mr Alick Shaw, made certain noises regarding a lowering of the Student Teachers' Bursary.

I remember, on the day of the Bursary march, the condescending attitude of STANZ saying that Yes! University students and technical Institute students should have a good Bursary. Of course, he was hoping that it did not affect him.

In his showing last Friday, he more or less admitted what most student teachers were there for. An easy ride on $26 — $36 approx. per week. "The Government has removed all the incentive to would be training teachers' students especially in the lower primary school bracket." They were there because of the money, not the love of kids. Would this lot make good teachers? — to the age group that requires the best — ages 5 — 12.

Perhaps the new Student teacher bursary scale will sort out the dedicated would-be teacher from the crowd that are there for the holidays, high pay etc.

Personally I am satisfied with the new Bursary scale and feel that if overall, the Govt. is saving money, then that is what the Opposition has been bleating about for ages.