Madam, - "Teacher's Pet" is concerned about what has happened to the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals: "The group could have a real influence on the debate on second-level issues, but it is curiously quiet" (Education Today, September 21st).
If Teacher's Pet, with some assistance from the senior mole, were to look further into the NAPD website he or she would see that at both regional branch and sub-committee level the association has been extremely active in addressing disadvantage, special education, attendance and absenteeism, school curricula, planning, evaluation and the professional development of school leaders. NAPD is in constant dialogue with the Department of Education and Science, the statutory bodies charged with educational responsibilities, school management groups and the teacher unions.
If Teacher's Pet manages to infiltrate the annual conference of NAPD, s/he will be treated to an intense consideration of both the internal concerns of the association and the central issues in contemporary education, with contributors to a day-long forum on "Teaching and Learning: Ensuring Excellence in Our Schools" from the NUI, NCCA, DES and the NAPD membership of experienced principals and deputies.
Teacher's Pet may find our association "curiously quiet" because there has been a reluctance on the part of your Education Today pages to publish the press releases and articles contributed sent to The Irish Times on numerous occasions.- Yours, etc.,
MARY A. McGLYNN, Director, DEREK WEST, President, National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.