EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15730, 3 October 1914, Page 9

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE.

TEACHERS' APPOINTMENTS. The quarterly meeting of the Auckland branch of-the New Zealand Educational Institute was held yesterday morning at the Training College, when Mr. T. F. Warren presided over an attendance of 45 members. To suit tho convenience of country members it was decided to alter the day of meeting from Friday to Thursday. The chief inspector, Mr. .K. Mulgan, addressed the meeting upon the subject of special appointments made by tho Auckland Education Board. Mr. Mulgan stated that he had heard that a good deal of misconception existed among members with regard to these appointments. Tho graded system had been carefully handled and was giving general satisfaction, but rigid rules could not be adhered, to. He considered that nearly every position should be advertised and the best applicant appointed, but a hard and fast rule would inflict injustice upon the service which tho rule was framed to help. For various reasons, teachers were not always suited in the districts to which they were appointed, and they should be given opportunities for removal even although the rule relating to the two years' stay was not carried out. It was not generally known that the board was prepared to consider applications for special appointments, and he thought that they should be allowed to make such application. When teachers sought appointments in more attractive schools simply because they had been in back districts he would oppose the transfer if the appointments were not won in open competition. With regard to Training College appointments, the speaker went on to say that careful consideration should be given to the selection of the staff, as special temperamental qualifications were required for the work of teaching. Mr. Mulgan suggested in conclusion, that the institute should discuss the question of creating further special lists with a view to recognising the efficiency of those specially qualified for certain classes of work.