APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS.—A FEMALE TEACHER'S COMPLAINT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10423, 27 July 1895, Page 3

APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS.—A FEMALE TEACHER'S COMPLAINT.

■'■•■ ■'•■;■, TO THE EDITOR. SiHi—l observe that one writer on fchiasub-. jeefc—the appointment of teaehore—thinks there is no need for reform, and advocates the retention of the present system ; as he expresses it, " tha system of throwing open every vacancy to all teachers who possejs the reqnisite qualification, and of appointing the best?"—which means that, according to the regulations now in force, when intending teachers obtain their ."D"'certificate they at onco become eligifele for appointment to any tovrn position, equally with; those who "have had long years of teaching experience in the country. Apart from the question of fairness, is it reasonable that beginners should rank as equal with teachers who have gained certificates for long and efficient work in tha service ? Is it in accordance with common seose, not to speak of justice, that 110 allowance should be made far long servics, experience, sad good reports from-the inspectors? ' ,'■'..'.

Allow me, Sir, to state a few examples out of many which glaringly show to how Kttle an extent is effort made by committees to secure .the teacher best qualified, snd to how great an extent favouritism. influences their choice. I shall only mention instances that have;oconrred thin year.

For an-assisfcaniship in a-Dunediib school last month a female teacher with only one year and 10 months' experience in the country was chesen, while among the applicants were many teachers of good reputation who had served six and eight years in the country. In all juatice, how could one examination report be considered of mere value than sis or eight good ones ? However, in this committee's estimation the one " best qualified " for the position was chosen!

A few months ago for a Tccancy-ln anofher city school a large number applied. It iscommonhr reported that the committee pet &s names-of the " most eligible " into a hst cad picked oat one at random ; and it so happened t&3jr the fortunate owner of tha name had been only about two yesra in a country school. Should a, teacher of two years' experience be considered equal in merit, with those who have done good service for eight years ?

Bor an important positioniu ar township, school some distance from Dunedin, a female teacher was chosen simply because the was an BLA, Ifc was her first appointment, and ia this instance quite a number of experienced teachers, holding very good certificates, were passed over. Otfcer esses could readily be stated, bnfc I do not wish to take up too much of your space. But, I ask, should the system feat permits of such injustice be continued? And is it not straage that the education service is the only ! service in the country that does not provide for j advancement according to merit ? . As things are, ..tha appointment of teachers is slmosfc entirely dependent upon the; likes or dislikes or whims of school committees, er upon local influence, or upon the impression an applicaafe makes on *he commtttse by fcersppearaaoe and manner.'lfcisa well-known fact, too, thateocamifctees rarely appoint teachers -cho have not interviewed them, co that applicants are almost compelled to do so. To most, the interviewing oS committees is humiliating, and the constraint; in their manner, caused by the shrinking c£ soul, tells ag&isst them, while others * sre favoured by their easy self-pcsmsxm or by ■ tbeir not scrnpHng to advance private family cirenmsianess showing thai their sssistauce is needed at home. lam nst speaking rarhly. I know of instances in which tho appjicanfa Eppe&ranoe and manner, and not merit; and long service, were the chief facfers in leadisg committees to a decision.

Sir, the appointment of teachers should not rest with committees. In no sscsa (er c-nly in very rare eases) are they qualified far co important a daty. Sicee the Education Bosrd supinely allowed this branch of their work to slip out of tiieir hsnds grave injustice has bean inflicted on many of its faithful and deserving servants, and so loog as tbe present Eo-metho<l system exists co long will injustice be dona. Teachers who long years ago accepted country schools in. good faith, expecting promotion within reasonable time, and who year after year are favourably reported upon by tho inspectcw.but from whom rightful uromotioa is withheld by committees sei&cfcisig*begtnjierß or teachers who have been a coap&ratively short time ia tho service, cry oat against the injustice.—l 00. &0., Jaly 22. Six- Yeabs ra the Cotoxee