Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1890-05-17

school instead Of ten, and who advocate
starvation instead of living salaries for
the teacher.
How ludicrous some men make them |
selves Their position correctly defined |
would be about as follows The largest
profits on merchandise, the highest fees
for professional services but that in
struction for the rising generation which
demands the least possible expenditure
of money. Such niggards and croakers
would delight to see the poor, for whose
benefit. primarily, the free school system was
established, reduced TO state OF serfdom
similar TO that under which. IN many parts OF
the Old World. they are. to-day, groaning.
What a consolation TO know that so few of our
citizens are so penurieus and parsimonious.
What a satisfaction TO believe that the almost
unanimous desire of our people is to give the
poor of our city. as well as the rich, all the adj
vantages OF a thorough. practical education.
The report has been circulated. to some eN-
tent. that the professors in our State Cniyer
sity receive but S7O0 each per annum. Upon
Investigation lind that OF the members oLthe
faculty, the President receives 5000, three
professors receive each $3.50. seven receive
each sl600. and one, the assistant professor In
mathematics. receives Sl2DO per annum. Two
assistants styied in the circulars student as
sistants, receive each 500; they teach, OF
course. preparatory branches, reeiting. per-
haps. themselves TO the regular professors.
Thus IL will be seen that of the regular pro-
fessors but one receives salary smaller than
$3.50, and he is an assistant. Yet we have
wiseacres who would have tie public believe
tnat 500 is the highest salary paid 10 any pro-
lessor in our state University. In the City Of
wheeling, the superintendent, whose duty y
$3.50. while. II mistake not, the principals OF
the Ward schools receive each $500.
In the State of Ohio. which ranks among the
first In educational matters, superintendent,
in towns with one-half the population Of Mar
ttnsburg. receive salaries equal TO or greater
than that which we pay yet at the same time
"A
third to oHe-haif OF their time. Here the sup
erlntendent. in addition TO the work OF the
superintendency, is required TO teach both the
Junior and Senior Classes in the High School.
For this threefold service he receives $500.
Yet we have chronic grumblers and nee
school enemies, who pretend 10 be groaning
under the extra burden OF taxation imposed
upon them by reason of the enormous. I'M
reasonable. and extravaganza salary paid 10
Neither the superintendent. nor any princi-
pal In the Ward Schools, so far as | know,
asks for an increase OF salary; while on the
contrary, am sure no true friend OF public
education believes either that the salaries
should be reduced. or that the school term
should be shortened.
Thusifar, every citizen who sincerely sup
ports the free school system. viii agree with
me. am now, however. about TO advance
some opinions, which, even the friends Of
popular education may not fully indorse. IL
sometimes happens that the teacher Is unable
to discharge his duties in the school loom, by
reason of sickness either in his own person or
at his home. In all cases OF unavoidable alb
sence unless such absence extend beyond one
week in duration. believe the regular teach
er should receive his full pay. and that what
ever pay the substitute receives should be
given him In addition to the full amount paid
to the regular teacher, unless. as before stated
such absence continue longer than one week,
in which case, If the substitute has given sat
isfaction. he should receive full pay until the
regular teacher again takes charge.
The substitute Is, In reality. an apprentice.
and as such should receive an apprentices
pay. He is. in fact simply preparing himself
to become a teacher, and thus every day he
teaches. he receives compensation, In the
way of practical experience in the art of teach
Ing. His pay. in my Judgment. should depend
upon his experience as an Instructor, the
grade in which he Is to teach, and the length
of time for which he Is employed.
Again, / believe that some remuneration
should be promised to teachers in order TO In
duce them to attend. in the summer months,
at least, one County, state or National nsti-
tute. The day is, doubtless, not far distant
when all teachers who thus endeavor to ac-
quire additional skill In their chosen pro-
fesslon, and who present valid certificate
OF unbroken attendance at some authorized
educational association. VIII be allowed one
son.
In fact, in baltimore and other large cities
in which there are ten months school, the
teachers, If am correctly informed. receive
,tNs.i m ,S!L pay: IN otner words;
August just as regularly as though they Were
actively engaged In teaching.
But the most novel departure from steroo-
typed customs. of which have recently learn
ed, is that contemplated by the Boston Board
OF Education. They are considering the pro-
priety OF giving to all teachers. who have
taught for four consecutive years, one year S
leave OF absence. ON half pay. They purpose,
with the other half of the salary. TO hire sub
stitutes TO MI the positions thus temporarily
made vacant.
What striking contrast between this mark
ed recognition of "a teachers true worth, and
that ante beiltaa sentiment, which, though
powerless to overthrow the free school sys- |
TEN, seeks. nevertheless, TO weaken its benef- |
cent influence, by endeavoring to drive from
the field every Instructor, whose training and |
experience justly demand therefor adequate |
and reasonable compensation.
In conclusion, permit me to say, that money
spent for educational purposes Is well spent,
He who favors liberal salaries and efficient in
structors, IL benefactor to mankind he who
advocates small salaries and short terms is an
enemy, .tnsidious though he may be. to the
free school system, and a ehurl who seeks not
the highest welfare OF his fellow man, but, on
the contrary, his own selfish interests and Pc |
cuniary prosperity.
Thanking teachers, officers. patrons and !
citizens for thu cordial support when they /
have SO freely given me in the past, and trust |
Ing that perfect harmony and unity of action /
may characterize our every effort in the fu- |
ture, beg leave to submit the above, my |
fourth final report of the condition and re- |
quirements of the public schools OF Martins |
burg. j. A. COX, superintendent. !