WOMEN TEACHERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19269, 5 September 1924, Page 8

WOMEN TEACHERS.

QUESTION OE PROMOTION. EXCLUSION FROM HIGHEST POSITIONS RESENTED. (Pee United Punas Association.) AUCKLAND, September 4. The Auckland branch of the Educational Institute, at its annual meeting, was asked by the Department of Education for its opinion on the question of excluding women from positions in charge of schools of Grade 3A and higher, and a resolution was moved by Mr Murdoch to the effect “that this meeting accepts the principle that all positions should be open to male and female candidates, but considers that under the present grading system the highest grades’ candidate Is not necessarily the most suitable.” As an amendment Miss Carnachan moved —“That the practice followed in some education districts of advertising the highest position in schools of Grade SA ’and upwards as head masterships not only unjustly precludes women teachers from promotion, but also prevents children obtaining the best teachers.” Several teachers contended that the grading at present in force gave absolutely no indication of the fitness of the candidate for any particular post. It might give an indication of his or her abilities, but not fitness for any particular job. After a lot of discussion the amendment was carried amended to read: “Not only limits the chances of promotion of women teachers, but may also debar children from getting the best teachers.”

Several members wanted to pass Mr Murdoch’s motion also as an expression of opinion on the general question, and it was actually put to the meeting, but was lost on the voices.