Reading Katya Spiteri B.Ed (Hons) M Ed (Ed Psych) Bristol UK’s letter (TMIS, 10 January) makes me wonder whether anyone at the Malta and Bristol universities ever noticed Ms Spiteri’s bad English. The obvious mistakes make you think that her letter was written by a very unexceptional student. I would certainly not like to be in her class and I surely hope that she does not teach English!

Ms Spiteri is not well versed with what is going on in State and Church schools because she would not have made certain statements to try and counter Stephen Calleja’s arguments (TMIS, 3 January).

First of all, in most Church schools, the Easter holidays last between 10 to 12 days, and not one week as she stated. Secondly, if most Junior Lyceums finish at 3 or 3.15pm, it is only because they start at 8.30am. Thirdly, when teachers have meetings that last till 5pm (most of these meetings end much earlier), and also on parents’ day, they are given a half day off in lieu or are given extra remuneration.

If Ms Spiteri imagines that the majority are against the college system, I think that it is she who is living on another planet as, from experience, I know that most teachers, students and parents are all in favour of the system which brought in innovative methods that are much to their liking. Where is the hidden agenda, Ms Spiteri? I think that it is only lazy teachers who are against the system because they have to prove their worth!

I agree that good teachers do not have a cushy job. But those who go to school simply to get their salary are bound to feel the self-inflicted stress. Good teachers have the satisfaction of knowing that they were of some help to their students.

Even a job behind the desk can be stressful. And, if people who work in an office have a cup of coffee every so often, teachers have ample time to do the same during free lessons.

George Gatt

SLIEMA