The Topeka state journal., 1916-11-09
THE TEACHERS, CONVENTION.

1L<ASAAA<AAAo w. -~-N
Topeka, of course, is delighted again
to be the hostess of the teachers of
Kansas who have assembled here in
such large numbers for the annual
convention of their state organization
Nor is this welcome prompted so
much by any material benefits that
may accrue to Topeka thru the en-
tertainment in the city of such large
number of people. as it is by the ap-
probation that Topeka has of the i'm
portant role that the school teachers
are playing in the progress and de-
velopment of the state and in the
placing of it's future on the firmest
and best of foundations.
Education is the arch on which rests
and the school teachers are its key
stone. And the state of Kansas can
realize the future that is properly hers
only thru a more general and better
education of her youth.
Getting down to essentials, it is the
school teacher who must show the
way to this more effective education.
And it is also true, unfortunately, that
until very recently, the teacher has
been rather shunted aside by legisla-
tive enactments and the supervisory
powers of school trustees and boards
of education in the development of
education, its methods and facilities,
along the most desirable and service
able lines. The teacher has had little
or nothing to say about these things.
Yet it stands to reason that he or she
should be the moving factor in such
important matters.
This has probably been due, in the
main, to the fact that the teachers
have been slow about appreciating the
necessity of using the powers of their
several organizations. not only in their
own interests but also as force to re-
arrange the school systems and the ed
ucational methods as the wisdom of
their experience dictates.
But there has been an awakening to
these facts among the teachers, the
country over, during the past few
years, and the teachers of Kansas have
not Jagged behind in the movement.
Their State Teachers association,
which begins its annual meetings in
needed on this score. A few years
ago, it did not amount to much. Now
its meetings are participated in by
thousands of the states school teach
ers, many of whom travel long dis
tances and at considerable personal
sacrifices to do so. The attendance is
growing each year, and it is not too
many years have passed, these annual
meetings will be attended by a large
majority of the 900 teachers in tho
state.
The power for the educational good
of the state that this association pos
sesses Is enormous. if it be directed in
telligently, and there is not the slight
will not be the case.
1t is gratifying, too. that this asso-
citation is beginning to realize to tht
full the power which it possesses, and
that the prospects are that each sue.
ceeding year will witness larger and
more forceful activities on its part in
steering the educational course of the
state into more fruitful channels.
The teachers know what the schoo
systems of Kansas need
1t is their duty to fight for then
before the legislature and wherever
else it may be necessary.
This big state organization they
have perfected is now ripe to start it.
wheels going vigorously in this direc
ton.
And the people, generally, will give
them unqualified support in such eff
forts as they make to give Kansa.
better schools.