SELECTION OF TEACHERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20084, 23 October 1928, Page 12

SELECTION OF TEACHERS.

Sir, —There lias recently been a good deal in the papers on the subject of "personality." and, among others, I am wondering just what is held to constitute this indefinable attribute. I have every confidence in Mr. Garrard, and admire him, both as a man and as an inspector, but the Archangel Gabriel himself would be needed to judge in .1 short personal interview whether a candidate were to become capable or not. I say to become capable advisedly, for the trouble seems to bo that some people develop earlier than others. The former make some show at first, and have plenty of seltconfidence; but after a certain stage they frequently peter out—the more sterling qualities, such as perseverance, are larking. The latter seldom develop till some tiino after they leave school—perhaps not till 25 or so. At tho ago of 50 the latter are the better teachers, but by this time they have frequently been damned for lack of " personality." Ido know that some grievous errors have been made in the last few years. I know of at least three cases of young candidates of tho quiet, cultured, gentlemanly type, who did not apparently come up to the standard of " personality " required in Auckland. Two are now doing well, and earning encomiums in other education districts; the third has chosen a different walk of life, where if anywhere, personality is necessary, and is making a pronounced success of it. This is probably far better for him; but it is a loss to education of the type of young man we can ill afford to lose. Our system does not recognise this difference between types, and tries to fit all candidates into the same mould. Occasionally, there is a candidate possessed of a personality that, simply will not tit the mould; then hj» must conform to pattern, or be damned irretrievably. Academic qualifications are 110 better guide if matriculation alone, is to be the criterion, for matriculation is notoriously the worst-conducted examination in the whole gamut. With proper coaching, almost any duffer can pass, while many >< brilliant candidate Ijas failed 15..t ai I.hs.s, by all means let us have higher academic qualifications if possible, for the candidate who has already passed his examinations will not bo tempted, as many now are (in inverse ratio to their capacity), to make tin? probationary course a means toward achieving Ibnt academic status they have hitherto lacked, and will be alile to put in more time during this period in learning the theory and practice of the art of teaching. When 1. began teaching—3o years ago or so—hardly any of Auckland's leading teachers held certificates beyond b>, arid many not beyond E (about equal to P.S.E. to-dnv). Many of these were worthy men. but their " personality," as we all know, consisted of "driving it home with a stick." It is this type that will be perpetuated bv the admission of a certain forceful, blustering. self-confident class of candidate that seems to be finding its way, ns often as ever, into our schools to-day. Culture Foil Choice.