RATIONING OF TEACHERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1933, Page 4

RATIONING OF TEACHERS.

The concern expressed by the headmaster of the largest primary school in New Plymouth is felt by many who take a real interest in the education system of New Zealand. At his school, said Mr. D. P. Evans, efficiency had 'been definitely lowered “by the employment of rationed teachers for short-time periods,” and he maintained that this was not the fault of the teachers but of the system. Even experienced teachers, said Mr. Evans, took some time to become acquainted with the pupils and the teaching methods adopted, and in the case of the young and inexperienced “rationed” teachers it was more difficult still. As an expert of many years’ experience Mr. Evans’ opinion deserves full consideration by the authorities. The taxpayer has (been assured again and again that the old system of “mass teaching” has gone, and that some familiarity with the capabilities of individual pupils is now regarded as essential to successful teaching. Rationing teachers for a short period of service makes such familiarity almost impossible to obtain, and if the effects upon the pupils are as serious as Mr. Evans indicated there is justification for some scheme whereby young teachers can be employed without such serious interference with the progress of the pupils. It may be that inquiry may show how such a scheme can ’be evolved. Head teachers of experience might be asked to formulate a system that would give unemployed teachers a chance of keeping in touch with their profession and of earning at least a portion of a livelihood. Under rationing they have done their best to give good service and their lack of regular employment is due to causes beyond their control. But the first duty of the State and education authorities is towards the school children. If they are suffering serious disability some better means of distributing and using the money available is imperative. Unfortunately, there is no likelihood of any early increase in the funds available, but if sacrifices are necessary they should not be demanded principally of the primary school pupils.