[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sia,—Your correspondent, " A
Rector's Wife," complains that her daughter, who has been to a university, cannot earn by private teaching or in private schools as much as a teacher in elementary schools. Is not the remedy plain? The crying need at the moment is not only for teachers, but for teachers of the type of the Rector's daughter. The importance of first impressions on small children under seven is agreed upon by all the educationists, and following the cry " the best for the youngest," some will go so far as to think that all infant teachers should have a university degree. Now, Sir, to my mind this is a fallacy. I do not believe that a Greek Tripos, or honours in Science and Mathematics, are needed, or are even a help, in playing "Who is afraid of Mr. Wolf?" or for drawing fascinating picture stories on a blackboard. What is heeded is, first, a gentle voice speaking King's English by instinct; then quiet, pretty manners and a pleasing personality, plus some training. If I were Lenin, and were organizing a Communistic State, I should send the princesses to the infant schools, not the senior wranglers. The hours are not long, but the holidays are; the pay is good, and there is the satisfaction of filling a real need, and of taking a hand in shaping the future outlook of the country. Will not more educated girls turn their attention to teaching in the elementary schools? Many who do not want to go to a university and take a degree would find the qualifying examinations within their grasp. They could go for a short time as supplementary teachers to see if they liked the work, and then if several friends went together they would have great fun at a training college.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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