WOMEN TEACHERS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1925, Page 4

WOMEN TEACHERS

REQUESTS TO MINISTER. AUCKLAND, Nov. 25. Several matters relating to women touchers were brought before Sir James Parr, Minister for Education, by the executive of the New Zealand Women Teachers’ Association. Miss Blanche E. Carnachan, president of the Association. Miss E. Newton, vice-president, Miss A. Eayly, a member of the executive, and others were present. The question of th'e sub-normal child and the dull child, who, under the present regulations, were unable to gain a certificate of proficiency, was dealt with by Miss Newton.

‘‘The Association,” said Miss Newton. ‘‘is of opinion that special attention should lie given to the children who are looked upon as the ‘duds’ of the respective classes. These children often had marked ability, which was manual and not technical in its character. They were regarded its failures because they were frequently unable to obtain proficiency certificates.” She asked whether it would not he possible to design a special syllabus for these children, and give them industrial proficiency certificates, instead of the ordinary proficiency certificates. The Minister: But every child, even the dull ones, must receive an elementary education ? Miss Newton: We quite recognise thuL fact, but the opinion of women te,‘ichors generally is that our present syllabus in the higher standards is too "bookish.”

Miss Carnachan: We think that something might he done in existing schools bv altering the syllabus, and making special classes for these children. The Minister: We have, already in many schools what are known as classes for backward children. Miss Newton: We believe an expert psychiatrist is necessary tor the work. The Minister said he hoped to discuss with the inspectors, at his next meeting with them in Wellington, the question of making special provision tor dull children, who often turned out to l>e among the host and soundest citizens. The chief merit of the junior high school was that it catered for all individual aptitudes. ,ln connexion with the complaint made by delegates that in some schools sewing was not taught to girls in the upper"standards, the Minister expressed the opinion that in every school attended by girls at least an hour a day should be given to sewing. He asked to lie furnished with the names of the schools concerned, ami promised to havo the matter looked into.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN. A request was made to the Minister that in future Education Boards should give women teachers an opportunity of becoming organising teachers. At present all these positions were filled by men teachers. ' They also brought up the vexed question of the appointment of headmistresses. Should Education Boards, it was asked, debar women from head teaeliershisp. of schools of Grade ,5 and upwards? MINISTER’S DOUBTS. "I know.” said the Minister, “that some Education Boards sincerely believe Hint it is better for the school and (he district that there should he a man as head. There is also the objection that a woman head teacher cannot exorcise the same control as a mail over big hoys.” Miss Carnachan : Can a headmaster control as well as a woman the big girls? The Minister: I agree with yon there. T believe that it is better for girls to be under the control of experienced women teachers. Miss Bayly said that for years she had had control of filth and sixth standard hoys as class toucher, and these boys were all well behaved. II a class mistress could take charge satisfactorily of boys ol Pi to 14 years id ago. it was idle to contend that she would fail as head lonelier. CONSIDERATION PROMISED. "In ibis connexion.” staled the Minister. "I may sav that the Department proposes shortly to hold a coulereiire with Education Boards, wliei 1 intend to bring the subject up tor discussion. Naturally. I desire to obtain their point of view as well as that of |ly. women teachers, hut alter we have heard both parties, a decision apj.liraldc to the Dominion generally -liriuld be arrived at. T bave a good ileal of sympathy for your point of view." The teacher- brought up the question of appointing women leachcrs as inspectors. The Minister stated Unit lie hoped when the next vacancy occurred, experienced lady members of the profession would be given an opportunity of applying for the position, and he was alrendv in laiiimiinicatioii with the Public Service Commissioner with that object in view.