Inspector ‘should be mentor not tormentor’

TEACHERS in primary schools want a review of complaints procedures against inspectors who they claim are tormenting them for unnecessary amounts of paperwork.

Delegates at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation congress complained about the demands from inspectors for copious amounts of class notes when they visit their schools. The problem is particularly frustrating for newly qualified teachers, who are inspected a number of times in their probationary year.

Ann Conlon of the INTO Tallaght branch said it was unfair that inspectors take such a critical stand with trainee teachers and suggested they should become more supportive.