THE ART OF TEACHING

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 70, 23 March 1920, Page 8

THE ART OF TEACHING

10 THE EDITOR. " Sir,—l congratulate Professor Hunter because in his lecture to teachers the* other evening he failed to make,the usual remark that "the talent for. teaching is very rare." At least, I gather thai he did fail. The art of teaching., is not. so very rare; the reason why teachers are becoming so is because \they: who ■ possess this talent possess also others,' 'and, rpaiistng that as teachers they will, have comparatively little standing, they very' sensibly develop their other qualities. There are a fair number of "born teachers" in 'New Zealand at this, moment, but'they are carefully keeping out ofthe teachins: profession, and «« firmly resolved never to enter it. According to the report, of this lecture, Professor Hunter wants teaohers "with enthusiasm." Does !i» know what happens to teaohert who commit this psychic indecenoy? He is to be a machine who ia to follow patiently the latest idea (?) of the public, and, never to initiate any himself. When' any new idea is ulvocated, how seldom wo hear "Let us ask the teachers." How often it is "Let us tell thel teaqher." Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals are'"consulted"; teaohers (so they tell me themselves) are "told." lam not surprised so many teachers' vaoanoies are not being . filled. lam surprised th»t, so many business places opening for women, any such positions are taken at all. Teachers are, however, a little to blame themselves. They or their advocates spoil their argument by some want of logic. For in-' stance, there is the stock comparison between the te»cher who gets only £400 a year, and the manager of a pig factory who gets £1000. Therefore it is inferred the teacher is made inferior to the manager. Mr. Massey might just as well insist that his salary be'raised to that: of Charlie Chapjin. Beyond a certain limit merit is not connected with largenra-e oi salary, ndr should it be.- As' regards the. oft-quoted factory person (or .whatever it . is) it must be remembered ■■ that while: managing ability is ethically less important than teaching, it is much rarer. For. that reason, and that reason f alone, it must command good prices. We should, in fact, get away from the salary ideai as regards the teaching High salaries have comparatively little attrac-. tion for women workers. They/prefer a . billet to which dignity and comfort are attached. The teaching profession too often gives neither, and therefore of certificated and uncertificated teachers there will ba probably fewer still in the future. -I am, c*., CONSTANCE CLTDE. 19th March. ...