ELEMENTARY TEACHERS AND THEIR LEISURE HOURS.
[To the Editor of the Srlier.vron.]
SIR,—In reply to " Senex " in the October 7th issue of the Spectator, I would like to point out that many Elementary Teachers are the best possible " Guiders," or Scout Leaders. In one instance I know of the teacher in one country school is the Captain of the Guides of a neighbouring village ; this seems to me an excellent arrangement, far better than it' she had charge of her own scholars for games, &e. Elementary school teachers make very valuable use of their leisure hours, acting as secretaries for various enterprises, such as Flower Shows, Church Councils, &c., for which they arc particulady well suited, as they more than anyone arc, if worth their salt, in touch with village or parochial life ! This all helps towards good citizenship, keeping them, too, in touch with former scholars and parents of present. Taking into account the fact that the up-to-date elementary teacher has nearly as much preparing " and correcting " to do as the secondary, all of which has to be done " out of school," this voluntary work on their part would be far less readily undertaken, and probably impossible, without detriment either to their work or health if longer hours (surely not good for the children) were insisted on. I hold no brief for or against " more work " or " less pay," brit I feel bound in gratitude for the help given by individual members of the profession in the directions I have indicated to write this letter.— I am, Sir, &c.,
Stratton Rectory, Cirencester. EDITH M. K. BALL.
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