TEACHERS IN CONFERENCE.

White Ribbon, Volume 33, Issue 382, 18 May 1927, Page 6

TEACHERS IN CONFERENCE.

At the recent Teachers* Conference, the question of married women as teachers was discussed. One male teacher showed rare insight when he rememliered that marring.* and motherhood were necessary qualifications for teachers. Why should women be- lost to the profession when they have the wider experience and deeper knowl-dge of child life? Several women teachers resented the suggestion that only women whose hushands could not maintain them should lie eligible for appointmen Why should they be compelled io submit to an inquisition of their private affairs? What connection is there between a woman’s ability to teach und her husband’s inability to maintain her? One woman teacher struck the nail right on the head when she said that there were men earning £IOOO a year whose wives did not have the price of a tram ticket. Some years ago a head dressmaker told us: “I went out to learn my trade when my hustmnd was earning £BOO a year. 1 paid a nurse to look after my little ones. My husband was spending every penny in drink and racing. I knew he w’ould lose his position, and I would have to keep my little ones.” It is the right of the child to have the very best teacher possible. The grading list is supposed to provide this. Moreover, women who have been earning good incomes are not going to marry if they have to ask a husband for every tram fare they require. A married woman must l»e economically independent, and until that is done she should not tie deUirred from square deal when apply.ng for a post'd*^.