The Quality of Teachers
At the annual general meeting of the Headmasters' Association, which welcomed and pledged its support to the Education Bill, much stress was laid on the importance of enhancing the status of teacfiers.
It was rightly insisted that nothing in education counts for so much as having the right teachers. Buildings are very important, but not
so important as the quality of the men and women who will be in charge of the pupils. After the war two problems will stare the
authorities in the face—how to get enough teachers to carry on in the
schools, and how to get highly qualified teachers. Mr. Flecker, Headmaster- of Christ's Hospital, in his presidential speech, argued that high priority in demobilisation should be given to teachers in the forces. That will certainly be necessary, but in addition steps will have to be taken to attract new recruits, and it is essential
that the psychological moment of demobilisation should not be missed, when many men will be trying to select a new career. It is highly important to draw in men and women whose service will improve the personnel of the profession. Salaries will have to be raised and every possible means taken to assure the intelligent public that the future status of teachers will be a high one. Teaching should not be a mere occupation ; it should be a calling. A great school, said the Headmaster of Dulwich, is not built up by administration and grants, but by love.
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