WOMEN TEACHERS

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18549, 26 November 1925, Page 2

WOMEN TEACHERS

REQUESTS TO MINISTER. BACKWARD CHILDREN. (special to "tee pbsss.") AUCKLAND, November 25. Several matters relating to women teachers were brought before Sir James Parr, Minister for Education, by the executive of the New Zealand Women Teachers' Association. Miss Blanche E. Carnachan, president of the Association, Miss E. Newton, vice-president, Miss A. Bayly, a member of the executive, and others were present. The question of the sub-normal child and the dull child, who, under the present regulations, were unable to gain a certificate of proficiency, was dealt with by Miss Newton. "The Association," said Miss Newton, "is of opinion that special attention should be given to the children who are looked upon as the 'duds' of the respective classes. These children often had marked ability, which was manual and not technical in its Character. They were regarded as failures because they were frequently unable to obtain proficiency certificates." She asked whether it would not be possible to design a special syllabus for these children, and give them indjistrial pro ficiency certificates, instead of the ordinary proficiency certificates. The Minister: But every child, even the dull ones, must receive an. elementary education? Miss' Newton: We quite recognise that fact, but tho opinion of women teachers generally is that our preseut syllabus in the higher standards is too "bookish." Miss Carnachan: We think that something might be done in existing schools by altering the ■ syllabus, and making special classes for these children. The Minister: We have already in many schools what are known as classes for backward children. Miss Newton: We believe an expert psychiatrist is necessary for the work. The Minister said he hoped to discuss with the inspectors, at his next meeting, with them in Wellington, the ouestion of making special provision for dull children, who often turned out to be among the best and soundest citizens. The chief merit of the junior high school was that/ it catered for all individual aptitudes. : ' In connexion with the complaint made by delegate's that in some schools sewing was not taught to girls in the upper standards, the Minister expressed the opinion that in every school attended by girls at least an hour a day should.be given to sewing. He asked to be furnished with the names of the schools concerned, and- promised to have the matter looked into.

Opportunities for Women. A request was-made to the Minister that in future Education Boards should give women teachers an opportunity of becoming organising teachers. ..-.At; present all these positions were filled by men teachers. * They also ; brought up the vexed question of the appointment of headmistresses. Should Education Boards, it was asked, disbar women from head teacherships of schools of Grade 3 and upwards? Minister's Doubts. "I know," said the Minister, "that some Eduction Boards sincerely believe that it is better for the school and the district that there should be a man as head. There is also the objection that a woman head teacher cannot exercise the same control as a man over big boys.'-'. Miss Carnaehan: Can_fi headmaster control as well as a woman the Kg girls? • The Minister: I agree with yon there. I;believe 1 that it is better for girls to be under the control of experienced women teachers. Miss Bayly'said that for years she had had control of fifth anfl sixth standard boys as class teacher, and these boys were all well behaved. If a class mistress could take charge satisfactorily of boys of 13 and 14 vears of age, it was idie to contend that she would fail as head teacher. Consideration Promised. "In this connexion," stated ffie Minister, "I may say-that the ment proposes shortly to hold a conference with Education Boards, when I intend to bring the subject up for discussion. 'Naturally, I de&ire-to obtain their point of view as well as that of the women teachers, but.after we hafe heard both parties, a. decision applicable t,o the Dominion ' generally should be arrived at. I have a good deal of for your point of view." The teachers brought up the question of appointing women teachers as inspectors. The Minister stated that lie hoped -when the next vacancy occurred, experienced lady members of the profession would be given an opportunity of applying for the position, and he was already in communication with the Public Service Commissioner with that object in view.