The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1920-09-03
EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE

The following is an outline of the
work of the St. Francois County Ed
ucational Conference held at the high
school building last Thursday and Fri
day.
Opening song, america"
Prayer by Mr.. Jackson.
Superintendent Akers in his pre-
liminary remarks told US of the acL
cidental death by drowning of a much
loved teacher of the State Teachers
College, Cape Girardeau, Prof. H. L..
Roberts, and recommended that the
Resolutions Committee take notice of
it. He also suggested to the commit
tee to take note of the fact that all
teachers can be present at the Asso-
citation if held on the Friday and Sat
urday of the first week of school,
whereas if held before the opening of
school, teachers from different coun-
ties or states could only attend at
great expenses and inconvenience.
Superintendent Johns gave US lee
ture on Community Teachers Associ-
TONS" He told US that the oft-quot-
ed expression that teaching is not a
profession" is the fault of the teach
ers. That we stay in isolated groups,
have no definite ideals, nothing in
common. The only way to make pro-
fession of our profession is to get to-
gether, talk together and act togeth-
err, provided we have a definite aim in
view, seemed to be the gist of his re-
marks. He thinks increased salaries
are a means to the betterment of
schools but organization is the point
to be emphasized most.
Superintendent Akers in his COM
ments stated that many people tell
him that teachers are overpaid, in
some respects, general antagonism
toward raising teachers salaries. He
thinks things are to change for the
better as since we have the ballot
that women teachers will be heard
with greater interest and that through
State and Community Teachers As
sociations, salary increase will come
automatically.
Mrs. Blankenship of Elvins stated
that not much had been done beyond
organization in their Community
Teachers Association work. Super
intendent Akers pointed out among
other facts concerning these organi-
cations that they are helpful in every
emergency, especially such as the
World War, as note how easily the
examining boards, food and fuel adj
ministration boards fell into line.
Miss Baker, our Home Demonstra-
ton Agent, came next with instruc-
tions as to the cheapest and quickest
way to prepare hot lunch in one
room rural school. Equipment neces-
sary will cost about $21, including oil
stove. She suggested that one dish
only be prepared to eat with the cold
lunch brought from home, as that is
all there will be time for and is suf-
ficient to obtain the results sought.
The dish should be hot soup or hot
cocoa. Care should be taken in keep
ing room we'll ventilated while oil
stove is burning.
Principal T. j. Stewart of the Flat
River high school told US about Ag-
riculture as taught in the grades and
high schools. He suggested as a
means of promoting interest to con-
test problems with other schools.
lninkS III aegood plan Wherever prac-
ticable to work with the farmers and
prove out some of the "book learnin'."
Announcements by the Superintend-
ent and so closed our moring session.
Our afternoon program was open
ed by the County Attendance Officer,
Judge Tucker. He says (and I'm sure
it is true) that many of us assume the
duties of teachers without carefully
considering what they are. We should
carefully and prayerfully enter on our
duties as teachers. we fail if only
books are taught. Should first get the
confidence of the child. Compare