Newark post., 1920-03-31

engaged In the world war-at an eX-
pense of s23 100000 ,000-'to make
the world safe for democracy'-it has
been neglecting the one safeguard of
democracy at home. This neglect
reaches into every home and BODIES i'll
for the future of this country, in the
Judgment of statesmen and educa-
tors"
With this startling statement Will
P. Kennedy writing in the Washington
Star, prefaces a remarkable study Of
the perils that face the whole country
because of conditions in our public
schools.
Americas future" he continues,
''is in the hands of the children of to-
day. They must be thrilled with an
appreciation Of American ideals in
spired by the glorious example Of il
luslrious leaders. warned by examples
culled from the histors OF peoples who
have suffered physical, moral, social.
and educational decay. 1t is in the
school that they are prepared for this
sacred trust Of carrying forward all
that the nation has stood and fought
for III every war in which it has en-
gagged.
Teachers Starved Out.
But as many eager faced children
come crowding to the schools they toe
often find them closed up because
there are no teachers. The teachers
have not struck; they are being lock-
ed out and starved out, Teachers
have to live 865 days in the year,
therefore the teacher who gets $3.50
year receives just S2.06 a day. If
she gets $3.50 year that means the
munifcent wage of 1888 4 day, which
is not q living wage today for ditch
digger or any one else, least Of all q
young woman who in character, edu.
cation and dress must hold the conf
dence Of the parents who entrust to
her the moulding Of their precious
children who are to be the mothers
and the statesmen Of the future.
The L. s. Commissioner Of Educa-
tion. after a canvass Of al. the states
has found that there are 1922 schools
closed because Of lack Of teachers, and
41.900 schools taught by teachers
classed as below standard but taken
on temporarily in the emergency. The
largest shortages are Kentucky, 2250;
Texas. 2055; Virginia. 1000; Georgia,
1900; North Carolina. ZOO, and Iowa,
600. SubStandard teachers are re-
ported as follows: Texas. 1000; Nir-
ginia and Alabama. $500: Georgia
and Tennessee. 5000; Minnesota, 1880;
Illinois, 1900; Kentucky, and New
York. 100: South Carolina, 1000.
Average Salaries Paid.
A study of rural teachers salaries
just completed shows the average
salaries of 1906 male teachers in rural
schools, including high schools and
their principles, TO be Stiles. Of the
TOSS woman teachers the average is
only s629.76. Of the total 1924 men
and womtn teaching in the rural
schools the average salary is S64l.67.
In Delaware the average salary for
the State is S35s.31. Regarding the
colored teachers the situation is much
worse: the average salary for them is
s36O.a6.
Public officials and members Of
Congress. the educational authorities
throughout the states are alarmed at
this condition that threatens the edu-
cational system Of the country-for
the conditions are certain to be worse
even than they are today. Here is
what those who have the education Of
the children Of this country at heart
face.
First-A present shortage Of teach
ers. with 1929 schools closed because
the teachers have been starved out,
and many thousands Of children fore
ed to lose year Of school life.
Second-An increasing shortage Of
teachers. because more and more are
being drawn into more profitable en-
ploymerr.
Third-The teaching Of impression
able young minds intrusted TO teach
ers who are below the standards in
training and sometimes in character
because no others can be ~had-in
1890 schools.
Fourth-No replenishment Of the
present teaching force in sight. be-
cause the normal schools are getting
only 80 TO 80 per cent Of the numbe.'
Of pupils they did formerly.
Mr.. Kennedy gives numerous illus
trations TO show that teachers are be
ing enticed 70 other employment by