Remarks by United States Commissioner of Education Earl James McGrath

REMARKS * Master of Cermonies: Commissioner, would you tell us something about the development and nature of this teacher training program? Dr. McGrath: This teacher training program has been in operation since 1944, and is now one of the largest exchange programs of the United States Government. It is administered by the Office of Education in cooperation with the Department of State, and it is carried out under the authority of three acts, the Fulbright Act, the Smith-Mundt Act, and the Finnish Educational Exchange Act (Public Law 265, 8lst Congress) . This year, more than 400 teachers, supervisors, and school administrators- from 50 countries have been awarded grants under the Teacher Education Program They will be here approximately six months studying in our colleges and universities, observing in our schools, and learning about America, how we live, work, play and pray. These teachers come in four major fields for training: elementary, secondary and vocational education and teaching English as a second language. A few come in special fields, such as education of the blind and deaf, mentally retarded children, radio and television education, adult education and other fields Individual programs are arranged for them. The teachers have been in Washington now about two weeks, taking part in an orientation program which has included lectures on American history, government, geography, art and music; some of our current problems; sightseeing to Mt. Vernon, the Capitol, art galleries and other places of historic and cultural interest; and a program in the Office of Education to give the necessary background to understand what they will hear and observe in the colleges and public schools. I would like to add a word on the importance of this program. In addition to the training received making for better teachers and better teaching through a broadening of educational horizons, the exchange of teachers is, I believe, the most effective way to bring about international understanding and good will. These teachers really come to know us by going into rural areas, small schools and communities as well as into the large cities. When they return home, they * By Earl J. McGrath, U. S. Commissioner of Education, Federal Security Agency, Washington, D. C., on Television program, WNBW-NBC, Friday, September 12, 1952, 2:00 p.m., FSA Auditorium, Washington, D. C.