TEACHERS' QUALIFICATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20058, 22 September 1928, Page 16

TEACHERS' QUALIFICATIONS.

Sir, —-I find myself. at a loss -to understand the attitude of "Worker" and others, who may hold similar opinions. Pursued-to its logical conclusion, it v.'ould appear that their argument is that an advanced education actually unfits a teacher for his daily work*. And, by "progressing" in the direction evidently recommended by "Worker," the successful type of dominie of the future might ultimately rival "Squeers," or the "Partridge" of "Tom Jones." Further, "Worker's" remarks on the relative positions on the 'graded list of teachers of high and low academical attainments cannot be allowed to pass without comment. It would probably be found that, in mentioning this matter, ho has merely drawn attention to what in some cases might prove to be an actual .injustice. It must, however, be borne in mind that many members of the profession who hold degrees are, as yet, merely "fledglings," who cannot count years of service and whose position on the list must of necessity bo comparatively low. Among these, how-, ever, will be found the men and women who will ultimately occupy similar positions to those now held by teachers of lower academical attainments, to.whnrn your correspondent has referred. I consider that "Gentleman Teacher" was justified in his remarks, in a recent issue, regarding teachers' certificates, and that a higher standard of qualification miclit, well be demanded. For, however skilful the teacher may be in obtaining reasonable results, as shown in examinations, there is no room in a profession worthy of the name, for the teacher whose professional interest is centred almost entirely in the acquirement and application or even the. discovery of new teaching devices, however desirablo in themselves. Granted that many a brilliant student has lacked actual teaching .ability, it is still open to question whether those larking the desire to pursue their own studies beyond the specified requirements ca:i actually become teachers in anything but the name. I am afraid that, upon examination, the criticism which lias been levelled at-the proposal, "degrees for all teachers," proves merely to be reactionary or, at best, short-sighted. We must have new Ideals, and the signs, of tho times do not point "Worker's" way. No Degree.