New-York tribune., 1871-01-19
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
III QI ToIIVN VT II@hVI''@I"'
the EdftOr Of The Trtbune

To the Edftor Of The Trtbune.
SIR: Having attentively perused the letter
that recently appeared in your paper respecting
teachers salaries feel my duty to speak in behalf Of
my in the profession whose condition has been
strongly msrepresened in the article alluded to. find
among the thirty young ladies employed in the school in
which teach all but two past their "teens." and
also feel in saying that not more than out of ten
in any school 'boards gratuitousy at home; spending
her income dress" Many do not live at home, but
where they must pay the prices asked In boarding
house, suitable for young lady to reside III,
at least s. a, week for board only. What sur
Pa1 pear. fiom salary OF 800 Nearly ali who do
live at home feel obliged to contribute part OF their
efficient teachers is doubt true but II is reasonable TO
suppose that the majority are tled Tor the positions
appointment teacher in public school one must be
graduate or pronounced fully qualified 10 receive Ger
entirely "disnterested in the profession aud care
nothing to elevate it, Nearly all Of u.s. IN hitting our
in hard study, working earnestly with ambition
never lessened, courage never failing and keeping
obstacles. and reached the desired goal Then, with
credentia. in hand. hopeful OF success, success we ag
ply for "a situation. Sometimes, fortune faVoffng
u.s. we are immediately appointed; but ofener, one
must wait weary months before success crowns her
efforts, and she is allowed to commence at tile foot Of
ladder. There, day after day, always at her post
aboring diligently with interest never tagging, the
receive salary enabling her 10 support herself COM
fOrfqbg The article alluded ITO states that single lady
live far comfortably salary OF 81 600 than
a married man That is selfevldent but how many
ladies receive that sum out of IL teachers in a Gram
mar School, but the Principal and Vice Principal
receive that sum- ana in Primary School none but the
Principal. so II Is not fair to make that the standard
salary received from which to Judge.
Besides In other professions and different kinds OF
business, persons paid in proportion to their merit
and experience not according 10 how much how little
they live on. Again, am well assured but small
portion, when they commence TO teach, contemplate
natrimony the first opportunity, the gentleman
stated. Indeed, some even at the second chance Of
changing their single condition, prefer to remain teach
ing. The gentleman suggested that every in order
to teach should be graduate OF some normal school
then receive salary Of sC0 for three years, and have
gradual oheerless future for girl to
picture when obliged to support herself and perhaps
those at home by her earnings entirely Very few, If
any, of us teach for .the love Of the profession
but as necessity; and although find real pleasure
in the faithful performance OF or duties at school no
one can enumerate the trials and dscouragemens we
meet not the least OF which is, that we find In many
instances health suffering and strength failing by
being closely confined all day. But try To be brave
hearted and happy, knowing that path in life II all
strewn with L have desire TO paint mournfu
picture Of grievances but only 10 present in clearer
light the undsputabe fact that teachers paid
for doing nothing, but really deserve what receive
We have recently appealed for increase OF salary
feeling that in this great city have many kind, true
friends who glad and willing to defend our cause
NeU- York, Jan. l5, l5l. LADY TEACHER.