Help Stamp out Department Chairmen

has created an organization for secondary school English department chairmen. In doing this they are perpetuating a position which has mythical value only; in fact, the department chairmanship has long outlived its usefulness and now stands in the way of curriculum progress. Perhaps there was a time when the department chairman was necessary. In days long gone by, teachers were hired to teach English who had not completed the degree; indeed, many were hired who had not majored in the subject. Teachers without particular skill or background in English probably did need specialized aid on an almost daily basis. But things have changed. The teacher shortage is over and well-qualified professionals with a genuine interest in students are available. These people do not need fatherly advice; they need stimulating discussion about learning, and they will have these discussions with peers and with students. These discussions produce changes, inspire concern about the learning process, and differ markedly from a conference with the department chairman.