TEACHING PROBLEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24970, 17 July 1942, Page 4

TEACHING PROBLEM

SECONDARY SCHOOL STAFFS SERIOUS POSITION REACHED The serious consequences of the shortage of teachers in secondary schools was discussed by the Otago High Schools' Board of Governors at its monthly meeting yesterday. The opinion was expressed that some men at present in military camps would do far better work for the community if they were returned to their schools, and the board carried a motion supporting a proposal that a system of training should be arranged that would avoid anv further reduction in teaching staffs, and suggesting to the Department of Education that a move should be made to have teachers in secondary schools classified immediately as being engaged in an essential occupation. Training by Rotation The discussion arose from the following resolution, for which the Auckland Grammar School Board sought support; •• The attention of the Government is drawn to the critical situation which has developed in secondary schools as the result of the withdrawal of teachers for military service, and in view of the national importance of secondary education this board urges the Government to arrange a system of training which avoids any further reduction in .teaching staffs.” . , “ The staffing problem is a very serious one” Mr F. H. Campbell said. "We cannot afford to lose any more men.’ The possibility of the inauguration of a system of military training by which teachers would serve periods in camp in rotation was discussed, and the chairman (Mr W. R. Brugh) said that practically all the young teachers had already been called up. He suggested that the board should approve of the Auckland resolution and go further by asking that secondary school teaching should be classified as an essential occupation.

Interests of the Children “ There is no doubt that there aie men in camp who could do far better work for the community if they were returned to their work,” Mr Campbell said. A system of training for a period aftei which teachers would return to their schools and remain immediately available to the military authorities in the event of anv emergency would be a solution. Children should not be expected to suffer through a shortage of teachers. Bishop Fitchett: It is right that a.l teachers should have some training The board unanimously adopted Mi Brugh's motion.