teacher status have been introduced at two of the Inner London Education Authority
colleges of education. In addition a teacher training course for mature students
is provided at the Polytechnic of North London. The Inner London Education
Authority organises many courses for serving teachers. There are two day
centres in Central London, a residential centre at Stoke D'Abernon in Surrey, and
a network of teachers' centres throughout London. The College of Physical
Education runs special courses for serving teachers. To help relieve the shortage
of trained infant and nursery teachers there are short courses for qualified teachers
who wish to teach younger children. There are also other specialised induction
courses, e.g. for mathematics, science and handicraft teachers and for those who
wish to teach children with learning difficulties and emotional problems, in addition
financial assistance and leave are given to teachers for further study of all kinds.
To help the development of education in overseas countries over 100 teachers are
at present on leave of absence or secondment. Under the interchange of teachers
scheme some 25 teachers exchange posts each year in the U. S. A. and various
Commonwealth countries. Others serve for a term or a year in France and
Germany under reciprocal arrangements.
Universities
A wide range of courses is provided at Inner London Education
Authority technical and commercial colleges, schools of art, general and commercial
colleges and colleges for further education, at five polytechnics and at other colleges
financially assisted by the Inner London Education Authority. The courses prepare
students for a great variety of careers in science, technology, business studies,
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