A FORGOTTEN CLASS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23037, 14 May 1938, Page 19

A FORGOTTEN CLASS

Sir,' —May I thank you for the publication of recent corresponded on tho above topic and at the same time refer to further aspects? "One Who Voted Labour" is entirely correct when he says that the New Zealand Educational Institute does not represent male teachers. The representation of the Auckland branch at the present annual meeting (two to one in favour of women) is a typical instance of the manner of representation. As a result, institute policy is laid down by women, most of whom have not an enduring connection with education, and translated into practice by them and a few others. And this policy, it appears, receives a good deal of attention and consideration by the Minister of Education. One wonders whether tho institute, tho Minister and the general public realise the underlying truth. "As is the teacher so are the taught." Until such time as we have more than lip-service in education, until political considerations are extruded and until il is realised that it is the male teacher who provides the dynamic force in educational practice, wo shall not see the labourer in this sphere of activity receiving his worthy hire. And only when he does will he be abe t& put forth the best in him; and only then will there be any real progress in education. Perhaps, in the next few months, the Minister will realise the growth of the Men Teachers' Guild —among whom aro many married men whose wives, too, will avail themselves of the opportunity to disapprove of tho efforts to frustrate unity among male teachers The Minister cannot bo on both sides of the fence; ho cannot advocate unity among one section and attempt to prevent it in another, especially when that other is concerned with so vital a matter as education. Pastures New.