RATIONING WORK

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 188, 8 May 1934, Page 6

RATIONING WORK

Positions For Unemployed Teachers DIRECTOR’S REVIEW Reference to the modified scheme for rationing work among teachers was made by the Director of Education, Mr. N. T. Lambourne. in his address to the New Zealand Educational Institute’s conference yesterday. "At the beginning ■of this year we were faced with the problem of unemployment among teachers,” he said. "For several reasons the supply had been exceeding the number of positions available. In 1932 and 1933 the positions of probationary assistants, and relieving teachers were filled by rationed teachers with salary at the rate of £lOO a year, the saving being spent on'the employment of about 90 or 100 additional assistants at the same rate. Last year most of the rationed teachers received tfro terms’ employment, but with the number of teachers out of employment at the beginning of this year it was seen that last year's plan vyould not provide even two terms' employment this year. “It whs necessary, therefore, to consider the following propositions (1) To revert to the payment of probationary assistants and relieving teachers at scale rates. This would have meant that, a large, number Of teachers' would, have received no employment at all during the year. (2) To. continue the 1933 scheme. TMs, also w ( ould have meant that a considerable number of teachers would have had little or no employment during the year. (3) To devise a scheme which would provide employment for the whole of the unemployed teachers at a reduced rate of pay. "With the financial assistance of the Unemployment Board it ' was found that all unemployed teachers could be put into positions /or, the whole year at a salary at the rate of £6O a year, plus lodging allowance at the rate of £24 a year where necessary. This proposal was submitted to and approved by the N.Z.E.I. executive. It is only fair to say that the executive wished for a higher rate l of salary, but this was not possible in view of the number of unemployed teachers and- the total ‘amount of motley that was available. ‘ “The boards are carrying out the scheme well, and so far as the department knows, the boards, the head teachers, and the great majority of the rationed teachers prefer the scheme to that which was in operation in 1933. The appointment of two or three or more additional assistants to a school lias enabled the head teacher, to break up large classes to the advantage of the pupils. Continuous’ employment has meant a great deal to the rationed teacher.- who now feels that he or she is a recognised member of the staff of the school. The opportunity- of gaining experience and further professional training is greatly appreciated. • “Owing to the training colleges being closed this year, the supply of teachers will not be augmented in February next, and the number not in permanent employment at the beginning of 1935 should be considerably less than it was in February last.”