Country Teaching And Teachers' Morale

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30855, 14 September 1965, Page 22

Country Teaching And Teachers ' Morale

A statement by Mr L. J. F. Williams that the morale of teachers had been lowered by conditions of country teaching prompted a letter to the editor from “Interested Onlooker” who, on August 4, wrote:— “Mr Williams who, through your Tn School and Out’ page, has brought much of interest to readers, now raises the point that what vitally concerns the morale of 12,000 teachers and, indirectly, the parents of the pupils they teach, should be discussed publicly rather than in secret conclave with the senior inspector of schools. Surely Mr Williams is right Local parents have their representatives on the Canterbury Education Board and teachers rely upon the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute. Would these two bodies be interested enough to comment on the points made by Mr Williams?” N.Z.E.L View

The senior vice-president of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Educational Institute (Mr K. J. S. McNaughton), to whom this letter was referred, on August 12, replied:— “The above correspondent seems to be unnecessarily disturbed by some recent opinions expressed by Mr Williams.

“We strongly resent the suggestion that the morale of teachers is at a low level. Individual matters brought to our notice by teachers, such

as Mr Williams, are always investigated by us, and where we consider action is needed it is taken. “There has never been a time when better cooperation has been so evident among teacher and school committee n presentatives, board members, and departmental officers in striving to Improve conditions for children and teachers. Every year much is achieved, but we are fully conscious of the need for further improvement Our efforts are constantly directed towards such matters as size of classes, teaching conditions, teacher training, and promotion. “The senior inspector has already generously offered to discuss with Mr Williams the professional matters he has raised. It would be quite unrealistic and * unethical, however, for us to report to The Press’ all professional matters. If individual teachers wish for information they are free to seek it at our general meetings.” Education Board The secretary-manager of the Canterbury Education Board (Mr W. P. Spencer), to whom the letter was referred twice, on September 13 replied:— “Having read aH articles and subsequent correspondence I fed that the matters raised by Mr Williams have already been fully answered.”

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