MEN OR WOMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19344, 3 June 1926, Page 14

MEN OR WOMEN.

SUITABILITY AS TEACHERS. COUNTRY SCHOOL POSITION. INFLUENCE IN PLAYGROUND*. The question whether men or women teachers should be appointed as assistants in country schools was discussed at a meeting of the Education Board yesterday, when a letter was read from the Kiokio School Committee asking that the appointment of a senior male teacher should be made. Mr. C. W. Garrard, senior inspector, stated that he favoured the retention of . the present senior assistant, who was a ' woman. A great number of grade 3A schools, among which Kiokio was classed, were being conducted most efficiently by women, and some were controlled much better than those under men. In addition, there was a marked difference/ between the grade marks of the woman teacher and the man proposed, and this fact did not warrant a change. i Mr. T. U. Wells said that where there Ivere two teachers in a school at least ©ne should be a man, whether head tVacher or assistant, in order that both boys and girls could be properly supervised. The supervision of boys in the playground was of great importance, especially in the country. Mr. Garrard: Would you have male teachers wherever there are boys ? Mr. Wells: That is not always possible, but it should be doae wherever opportunity offers. Mr. J. Boddie said the appointment of men as senior teachers should be encouraged. Although female teachers wight prove satisfactory as far as the classroom was concerned, it was impossible for them to wield the same influence over the character and life of boys as was .possible for a man. The chairman. Mr. A. Burns, said action was being taken against several education boards by the Teachers' Institute on this point, and this would probably have the effect of producing new legislation. It was decided to adhere to the board's appointment in the case under review.