I would like to take issue with the author of article entitled ?Supply teachers in primary schools?. It is obvious that reading between the lines, the so-called retired teacher resents bitterly being re-allocated to teach the Standard 1, against his/her wishes. That retired teacher comes across as feeling seriously undermined and under-valued and possibly his/her intellectual credibility compromised if not insulted.

One is somewhat confused as to whether he or she is representing a group of retired teachers who found themselves in similar circumstances or acting on his or her own volition. ?We are not pleading for these teachers?..? So the article goes. Who are we? The article is signed off as ?retired teacher?. Confused! Bet you are. It may be a simple omission, but I would be partial to this kind of misrepresentation if I happened to be one of those retired teachers, specially, if I am more than happy and indeed grateful for the opportunity of returning to the job I love, and teaching that specific group of children.

I would assume, unless I am informed otherwise, that one?s decision to resume work as a supply teacher after having retired from one?s permanent position on the basis of one?s age and length of service is purely voluntary. It follows [de facto] that the terms and conditions of employment for the position have to be acceptable and reasonable to all parties concerned. One?s choice to subscribe to the said terms and conditions is a personal one and without prejudice. The retired teacher seems, however, aggrieved if not dismayed (surprise,surprise) that [1] it is not easy for aged people to travel long distances [2] the policy of posting teachers nearer to their home addresses do not apply to the retired supply teachers.[3] that travelling expenses and bonuses be considered for that category.

It is common knowledge that people of retirement age are comparatively less capable physically than the younger generation. The burning issue is not necessarily ageism as it is physical and medical fitness. Many people of older category, particularly the self-employed, work beyond the retirement age of 60 and would feel offended if they were treated as being old and incapable. The decision is yours my friend ?Like it or Lump it?. Given that your perception of the conditions of employment is unfair and unacceptable, I would unhesitatingly advise that you lump it instead and enjoy the fruits of your retirement like millions others. I am sure the teaching profession could do without this kind of condescending and patronising attitude.

The retired teacher states that ?we are not pleading to be given higher or better classes at the detriment of officers in post but it seems that allocating std 1 classes to the retired supply teachers is pedagogically not sound.? What credible evidence do you have to support your statement that this practice is pedagogically wrong? The reverse is indisputably correct. Statement of fact is that you are literally and intentionally asking to be given ?higher and better classes to teach?, but you are not smart enough to personally say it openly and honestly. Or else you would not even have had the guts to raise the issue and guard your anonymity so preciously. Do not kid yourself please or anyone else for that matter. Be honest and confess that your deflated ego, depreciated pride and self-worth are more likely to be at the heart of the whole conundrum.

The use of supply teachers is an indication that there is a shortage of regular teachers, be it short term or long term in the country. The employment of retired teachers conveniently fills this gap. The skills of the retired teacher are multi-facetted and combined with their long experience in the trade, they can and surely make a valuable contribution to the quality of education of their pupils. Education is universal and has no boundaries my friend, be it at the basic Standard 1 or the dizzy heights of Higher Education. Teaching Std 1 is a different challenge, but nonetheless, not a less-deserved one. You ought to be a shining example to the young and aspiring teachers. Allow them the opportunities to perform and deliver, and in the process offer them a helping hand rather than undermining their abilities needlessly. In case you forgot, remember that all the teachers must have been subject to some form of professional teachers? training and that their appointments invariably effected on a meritocracy basis.

<B>Ram MAISTRY</B> <I>Retford, Notts</I>