RATIONING TEACHERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19682, 27 December 1933, Page 3

RATIONING TEACHERS

“A VICIOUS PRINCIPLE.” Strong opposition to the Education Department’s scheme of rationing teachers was expressed by Mr D. P. Evans, headmaster of the Central School, New Plymouth, at the breakingup ceremony. Mr Evans characterised the expedient of rationing teachers as a “vicious principle” and contended that it adversely affected the work of the pupils. “It is with trepidation that I again take up a stand on this question,” said Mr Evans, “as I have already met opposition in certain quarters for the stand I have taken against what I termed a “vicious principle.” All will sympathise with the unemployed young teachers who often, at considerable sacrifice, have qualified for their certificates but who now find few positions awaiting them at the conclusion of their training career.

“The responsibility for the position must be accepted by the Education’ Department, which continued pouring students into the training colleges with only a vague knowledge as to the absorption of these trainees on the completion of their service. When the true state of affairs was realised the system of rationing was adopted. Now, how does it affect the continuity of work in a school? In extreme cases, and we have experienced such cases, three teachers with a very limited knowledge of the practice of teaching may be appointed to one class in a year. This palpably interferes with the steady progress of the pupils, as many parents will bear witness. Is it fair to the defenceless child who has his future before him?

“Supporters of the scheme have much to answer for when they are confronted with the evils that will certainly arise. Where would a business or a professional man arrive if he attempted to staff his department on such an unsound basis? Yet, where human souls are concerned this iniquitous plan meets with the approval of some, who, as a temporary expedient deem it wise to hamper the advancement of the child’s education. I appeal to. you as parents to stand solidly behind the School Committee and Education Board in their endeavours to right the wrong that is being done.” Mr F. H. Coleman, chairman of the School Committee, remarked that his committee wholeheartedly supported Mr Evans in the stand he was taking on the question of rationed teachers.