A teachers' group has stood up for artist Bill Henson's right to discuss and exhibit his work in schools.

Art Education Victoria executive officer Marian Strong said on Tuesday that the reaction to Henson's work was hysterical, insisting the photos of naked children were not phonographic.

"I thought the hysteria was an indication that too many people in our society have not been able to enjoy a good art education," she told the Herald Sun.

"In my reading of some of his work, he's actually celebrating the beauty of childhood and the blossoming of youth."

For the first time, Henson gave his comments about the seizure of his works from a Sydney gallery two years ago and revealed that he was permitted to scout for models at a St Kilda school.

"I haven't stopped speaking at schools," he told an art forum this week.

"Schools are concerned, of course, about the publicity. (But art teachers tell me) the kids are missing out - we want to have you back."

However, Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said on Tuesday night: "Schools are free to make their own decisions, but given the adult nature and controversy surrounding Bill Henson's work, it would be inappropriate."

Ms Strong, who speaks for about 500 Victorian art teachers, said Henson shouldn't be shunned.

"Given the environment and media frenzy and some of the knee-jerk reactions, I would personally think carefully before inviting him to look for models," she said.

"But I certainly would be encouraging him to come to schools to speak to (students and teachers) and to discuss his artwork and to show the artwork.

"If you are in a school that feels it's inappropriate, then I suggest that they don't invite people like Bill Henson.

"But on the whole I would actually recommend that we are a society that should be educating our students to have a critical thinking capacity for themselves and to have a balance in their education."

In the meantime, Parents Victoria spokeswoman Elaine Crowle said that although schools can choose whom to invite, Henson shouldn't be welcomed.

"Someone like Bill Henson is probably a bit unpredictable in what he might say to children," she said.

"And because his subject material has been quite controversial, in his case I don't think it's a good idea."

Education Department guidelines advise schools to take into consideration the possibility for a visitor to cause controversy in the school and community.