PROMOTION OF TEACHERS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1202, 10 August 1911, Page 5

PROMOTION OF TEACHERS.

DOMINION SCHEME DISCUSSED. The possibility of devising a Dominion Echerae for the promotion of teachers w,-s discussed by the Minister for Educat-'ou in the House of Kepresentatives yesterday afternoon, in reply to a question by Mr. J. C. Thomson. "■• The proposal presented many difficulties, said the Hon. G. Ifowlds. Thero was already in operation iv general scheme for tho classification of teachers, based' on the three factors of academic or literary qualifications, - length of teacnTng experience, and efficiency in teaching. The Minister explained that peisonal character and tho suitability of a teacher for a particular post were two most important elements. A uniformity in tho method of making appointments might bo secured by the imposition 'of a more or less rigid rule on tho education boards and school committees, or by placing tho appointments of teachers in the hands of a central authority. The Department was 6trongly of opinion that the local control and responsibility for local education tended most for efficiency, and in the present circumstances the Minister would not bo prepared to recommend any departure from tho principle of local control. The Act of 1908 placed upon boards the duty of considering candidates from other districts as well as their own.'and the Minister thought sufficient timo had not yet been given for the provision to have its full effect. It would be wise, ho added, to pause before interfering with the present method of appointments.