The Hartford herald. [volume] (Hartford, Ky.) 1875-1926, 1877-06-06
Teaehers' Wages.

There is no portion OF tax that many
Of our taxpayers pay so grudgingly as
that for the support Of schools. In many
places they are almost continually COM
planning Of the enormous school tax they
pay. They seldom stop to consider
whether the schools are an advantage to
the State or otherwise out continually
cry to be released from paying this tax,
or, if schools must be supported at the
public expense, they demand reduction
in such expenses. Hence they are IN
firing in their efforst to reduce the wages
Of teachers. In this they are without
reason in their demands. In many parts
of the country school officers of town.
ships have consulted together and decided
to reduce the wages of teachers. They
are not satisfied with moderate reduce
ton, but in some instances have resolved
to reduce one-half, and in many onethird.
Considering that country teachers wages
have been very low heretofore. this step
will render it almost impossible for teach-
ers having families to support to live on
the small pittance they are offered.
Teachers, as a class, do not demand
exorbitant salaries; but the ladies or
gentlemen that are worthy to be called
teachers, desire at least wages that will
enable them to present respectable ap-
pesrance in society. Parents should not
feel willing to commit their children to
the care Of such persons as desire less
They surely know that such persons
have no higher aspiration than to satisfy
their animal natures. If they are willing
to teach (O for whatever may be offered
them, they have not a true conception
Of the high calling of the teacher; they
are not prompted by a desire that they,
by their efforts. may add to the efficiency
Of our school system. 1t is true that
they must not look alone to the pecuniary
advantages; but they should not be will
ling to teach unless they are sufficiently
remunerated to enable them to live COM
fortably; and also to purchase such
works upon the subject Of teaching as
have been recommended by eminent edu>
Gators. They ought also to have regular
ly at least one educational Journal.
Without these aids no one is fit, with
out several years experience, and
hardly then, to perform the duties Of
the teacher. 1t is also necessary that
they annually spend a few dollars for
scientific works. Now the question is,
where must we look for belp2 Must
teachers that have gained a reputation
for their success and devotion to school
duties. accept these small wages, or refuse
and take the chance Of getting something
else to do2 II they accept, it will be next
to impossible to get wages raised to what
they were. And il they refuse, our
schools will in many instances. be filled
with persons very poorly fitted to dis
charge their duties These questions
we must decide. Some will find it nee
essary to accept the small pittance offered
them. Others. and not few, will refuse
to be ground lower down than they now
are.
II it is to the interest Of the State to
sustain public schools, it must certainly
be to her interest to pay wages that will
enable her to secure the services Of COM
petent teachers. II not to the interest o.
the State. then l say do away with them
altogether. II not beneficial, why sup
port them at all ?-ElrctIc Teacher.