TEACHERS' SALARIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20338, 20 August 1929, Page 11

TEACHERS' SALARIES.

OPINION ;ON NEW. SCHEME.

"SIMPLY A RESHUFFLING."

OPINION IN AUCKLAND. A considered opinion on the Education Department's new salary scheme for teachers has been framed by tho interim committee of tho Auckland branch of the Now Zealand Educational Institute. Tho subject has been discussed fully by the committee, which had for guidance the opinions expressed at several meetings of teachers. Tho committee's findings are as follows:

(1.) The restriction imposed by the department) that tho total money available for tho new schemo must not exceed the total expended on tho present scheme, means simply a reshuffling of the present salaries. Tho slight increase given to the higher positions, which aro still most inadequately paid, is counterbalanced by a loss of salaries in tho lower positions. In accordance with tho promise of tho Director of Education that no one would suffer a loss of salary in tho change over, this decrease would not bo immediate; but ultimately it would bo felt by the lower grades, especially by grade two male assistants, who, if married, find even tho present salary a mere living wage. (2.) Tho suggestion of compulsory transfer, as outlined in tho now salary scheme, finds no favour with the committee. The arbitrary power of compulsory transfer precludes liberty of choice and leads to a feeling of insecurity of tenure. (3.) Tho power given to inspectors to give or to withhold an increment is not viewed with' favour by the committee. It is felt that justico may not bo done to all teachers when, owing to the understanding of tho inspectorate, tho visits of tho Inspectors are necessarily so short. (4. J Tho grading bars for tho various divisions aro too high. This means that, though in tho change over a great many teachers would not suffer immediately, they would have to mark time for a number of years at their present salary. Tho opinion of tho committee may bo briefly summarised in the motions passed by the last meeting of the city and suburban teachers: "That, in -any scheme of promotion to suit a new salary scheme, teachers should have the right to apply for positions; that appointments be mado in accordance with grading; that, in cases of promotion or transfer, removal expenses be paid; that, in cases of nonappointment and transfer of lower-graded teachers to the detriment of those of higher grading, tho right of appeal be granted."