TEACHERS’ STATUS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 101, 11 February 1950, Page 5

TEACHERS’ STATUS

PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 10. Teachers’ courts advocated by ’ -the .Auckland Education Board* Avould be superfluous'if the plan at present being considered by the Netv Educational Institute A\ r as put into practice, said the Dominion secretary,of the institute, Mr G. R. Ashbridge, to- : day,-- - * -

He was commenting on a Press Association message reporting the Auckland Board’s suggestion to the Minister of Education that teachers’ courts similar to the disciplinary committees of the medical profession should be set up. Mr Ashbridge said the institute’s Dominion executive recently Adopted for submission to the annual meeting in May a teachers professional registration plan Avith the aim of securing solidarity of the teaching profession with unification of control and responsibility for a high standard of ethics and qualifications. The plan provided for the .compilation of a comprehensive register of teachers: Only those who measured up to the required standard Avould be admitted to membership and there would be no provision for cancellation of membership. The effect of the plan Avould be to elevate the status and dignity of the teaching profession by providing a high standard of service, an accepted code of honour, a jealous guarding of entrant to the profession and an efficient system of self-government. “The transfer of professional discipline from the employers’ to the teachers’ organisation would be of benefit to those responsible for the administration of education as well as to teachers themselves,” said Mr Ashbridge. “At present the method of dealing Avith charges against teachers does not satisfy either teachers or their employers, and the proposed system of disciplinary control Avithin the organisation has much in its favour.