WHAT THE SCHOOL TEACHER IS EXPECTED TO BE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8287, 16 September 1903, Page 4

WHAT THE SCHOOL TEACHER IS EXPECTED TO BE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —In a leader lateiy you discussed the scarcity of youths offering themselves for pupil-teacherships. The insufficient pecuniary inducement was set forth as one of the causes producing this state of matters. No doubt this is one of the factors, but I think there are others, one of which, is, that the colonial youth is precocious enough to see that teaching under the present, or proposed regime is no work for any whit© man, or angel either. Let me try to show your readers that this is the case. The teacher must be:—(1) An M.A. B.'Sc., X.Y.Z., (Oxon), for he has to teach, languages and mathematics ; (2) a Lord Kelvin, because he has to teach the sciences; (3) a Faraday, because he has to .teach chemistry; (4) a market gardener, because he has to teach gardening; (5) a doctor, because hfe has to teach ambulance work; (6) a musician, because he lias to teach singing; (7) a swimmer, because he has to teach swimming; (9) a sergeant-major, because lie has to fceafch. military drill; (10) an inspector, because he has to examine his school; (11) a great parent, because parental control is dead; (12) a politician, because he has to give civic instruction ; (13) an accountant, because he has to teach book-keeping; (14) a theologian, because he may have to teach the Bible. These, all over and above his ordinary school work. What an array, and who are expected to be all these in one?— Men and women with an E, D, or <C certificate, or ifihey have been more fortunately situated - a paltry B.A. or M.A. degree of N.Z; University. Sir. who would encourage their sons to enter such a profession? Never, fifty times send them rather .to gather bottles. That at anyrat? is a- practicable occupation. I am, etc., - •- UNFORTUNATE.