TEACHING POSTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22971, 24 February 1938, Page 15

TEACHING POSTS

TARANAKI DISTRICT SHORTAGE OF APPLICANTS MOST SERIOUS FOR YEARS RELIEVING IN COUNTRY [bv telegraph—OWN correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Wednesday The shortage of teachers 1 in Taranaki is more serious than for many years and the Education Board is faced with the necessity of closing several small country schools unless relieving teachers can be found to fill vacancies. For each of six positions only a few people applied, said Mr. H. W. Insull, secretary to the board, to-day. In 19-52 as many as 100 applications were received for many of the relieving positions, which -were of the same type as those now going begging for want of applicants. Districts such as Taranaki, which did not have a training college, he added, were at a great disadvantage when vacancies in the teaching staffs arose. Trainees for the profession had to be sent to such places as Auckland and Wellington to study. If they decided to remain at the training colleges or universities to take a third-year course they were enabled to take supernumerary work at schools and at the same time complete their studies. The supernumerary system was an excellent opportunity for young students, as they were able to earn a living as well as continue their training. However, the result was that there arose a shortage of teachers in those districts where there was no training college or university. , The Education Department had endeavoured to remedy the situation that arose when students remained at their training centres to continue in their profession. It had provided that if supernumerary teachers did not apply for permanent positions they would be disciplined. The position had become so serious in Taranaki, said Mr. Insull, that the board had been obliged to accept married teachers for relieving positions. It had also had to send to other districts for teachers. The board's system of consolidation would alleviate the position. and if it was possible to obtain teachers from other districts there would be no need to close any of the smaller country schools.