TEACHERS CONCERNED

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 143, 20 June 1938, Page 8

TEACHERS CONCERNED

STAFFING OF SCHOOLS

PROMOTION DIFFICULTIES

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) TIMARU, June 19.

A motion expressing strong disap-j proval of the memorandum recently issued by the Education Department to the education boards recommending the retention of teachers in permanent positions who would normally be retiring, was passed at a meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Men Teachers' Guild. Keen disappointment was expressed at the delay which had taken place with regard to salary increases.

Mr. F. R. Price, Dominion secretary, said that teachers had not at any time during the last 15 years been worse off than at present. The restoration of salary cuts had been largely offset by increases in the cost of living, while remote allowances for teachers in schools associated with training colleges had not been restored. He believed that the Education Department did not realise how difficult promotion had become in recent years.

The average grading number necessary in 1937 to secure a grade one, the lowest, asslstantship would in 1925 have secured a grade two assistantship or the head-teachership of a grade 3A school. Similarly, grading today which would secure for applicants only a grade three assistantship would in 1925 have obtained the head-teacher-ship of a grade 5A school. For all grades of position a teacher 'required to be graded from 25 to 40 grading marks higher than in 1925. This represented an average of six years' additional teaching. . The number of grade seven scholls had dropped in that period from 99 to 75, with, drastic effects upon promotion. The departmental regulations regarding the staffing of schools contributing to intermediate schools would seriously affect the num(ser of senior assistants available.

Applicants to the Educational Institute for grants from the benevolent fund had been more numerous and had been for greater amounts during the last twelve months than during any previous period of the fund's history.