THE GRADING OF ASSISTANT TEACHERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13049, 14 December 1905, Page 3

THE GRADING OF ASSISTANT TEACHERS.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CHIEF INSPECTOR.-" At yesterday's meeting of the Auckland Education Board the chief inspector of schools (Mr. D. Petrie, M.A.) reported upon the grading of assistants, under tho scale set forth in the Education Amendment Act, 1905,' as follows: The suggestions invited from headmasters upon the grading of the assistants in the schools under their charge, respectively, have been carefully examined; — The scale of 1905 differs from that of 1904, chiefly in the following particulars:(a) Generally, the salaries ore higher (b) no distinction is made between male and female teachers: (c) the position of " mistress" is abolished; • (d) the numbering of the grades of schools is different; for example, what was " grade "IX." vyill now be " grade XI. In submitting my recommendations for the consideration of the Board, I have adopted the following principles which, in my opinion, are conducive to the interests of the service. In schools of grade XI. (151 "to 200 scholars),' where one of the two assistants is a male, I think that the higher salary (£130) should be paid to him, and that the present "mistress'' (£110) should be ranked as tho second : assistant (£115). •' In i two -or three schools of this grade, where both assistants are females, the headmasters have advised the ' appointment of a male • at the higher salary, and I think it will bo advisable to give effect to their wishes where practicable. In schools of grade XII. (201 to 250) the first male assistant should receive the highest salary provided under the scale; and where there are two male assistants, the second should rank next below him' in salary," the third position and salary being assigned to the present ; "mistress." All, schools over 420 average attendance (grade XVII. 'and higher) should have two male * assistants. Those which have only one' are Onehunga and Mount Eden, and for each of these the Board has already proposed the appointment of a male. Two or three schools need to be specially dealt with by the Board in regulating the grades and salaries of assistants. •The Chairman pointed out that under the Amending Act the title of " mistress" had been done away' with, but that teachers who had occupied the position would not suffer reduction of salaries in consequence. With but one or. two. isolated instances the new scale of ; salaries : meant an • increase all round." ;-. After a ; brief discussion the recommendations were adopted.'