The gazette-times. [volume] (Heppner, Or.) 1912-1925, 1920-11-18
RESOLUTIONS.
Adopted by Umatilla-M Morrow County
Teachers Institute, 1920.

IeacherN' lb%bs
We the teachers Of Morrow and Um-
atilla counties. in joint annual insti-
tute assembled, adopt the following
resolutions:
We extend our thanke to the local
press. for the generous space given to
the deliberations OF this assembly.
To the Pendleton school board for
the use Of the high school building.
Our hearty appreciation is extended
to the pupils, teachers and others who
have so royalty entertained US during
this session.
To the ladies OF the Episcopal church
for serving such bounteous and delic-
ious luncheons.
We further appreciate the hospitality
extended to us by the citizens of Pen
dleton in opening their homes for our
comfort
The members OF the Parent Teacher
Associations are commended for their
loyal support to the cause Of education.
We believe that the interests of edu-
cation require that the office of County
School Superintendent shall be nom
political Office. and that the superin-
tendent shall be elected thereto because
of demonstrated ability and achieve
ment in school leadership, regardless
Of political affiliation.
For these reasons, we, the teachers
of Umatilla county, believe the best
interests of education will be served
by supporting the present incumbent.
Mr.. W. W. Green. for reelection.
The teachers Of Morrow and Una
tilla counties endorse the proposal that
county nurse be employed, and urge
The inclusion of this item in the county
budget
The interest of the nation demands
that our educational system shall con-
tinue to serve society adequately and
efficiently: that it shall train the youth
Of the land to real social efficiency and
sound American citizenship; and that
it shall go forward to meet the grow
ing needs of the Republic, with the in
creasing complexity OF its industrial
and social structure.
Such a program calls for construc-
tive legislation well trained teacheres,
adequate financial support, attractive
conditions within the profession and a
full measure of service from teachers.
| We urge the passing, therefore, OF
the Smith -Towner bill, whereby will be
| provided a department Of education
with a secretary of education in the
| presidents cabinet, but we believe the
direct administration Of educational
| affairs should remain within the state.
We favor legislation providing a larger
unit for purposes of taxation for school
support and for the administration OF
districts of the third class
| Training and standards To the end
that every schoolroom in Oregon may
be supplied with a trained teacher, we
urge continued and generous support
of the state institutions of higher
learning wherein training for teachers
is given. We further urge the present
continuance of the summer extension
session of the oregon State Normal
School at Pendleton. and the establish
ment, within the near future. of a per-
manent normal school in Eastern Ore
gon.
We believe that as the supply OF
trained teachers becomes sufficient tc
meet the needs of the state, the stand
ards of certification should be raised
until none but those thoroughly equip
- 1T nj trnrk hV char
acter, ability and training, will be per-
mitted to teach in the public schools
The financial rewards for service
accorded the teach h ing profession
should be favorably compared with
those in other professions requiring an
equivalent of ability preparation and
training, and the minimum wage
should be sufficient to allow the recip-
lent to live comfortably, to seek pro-
fessional improvement through study
and travel. and to face sickness and old
age without dread and recourse to
state pension. We therefore commend
the boards of education of Umatilla
and Morrow counties for their forward
looking attitude upon the question OF
teachers salaries, and recommend the
establishment, through action of the
Oregon State Teachers Association and
the state department of education, OF
Ian adeouate' and equitable schedule OF
salaries for teachers throughout the
state, based upon the principals above
indicated, and a twelve month term OF
employment with increased compensa'
tion proportonate to any increased OBJ
liratIons in connection herewith; anc
that in districts or sections of the state
wherein the living expenses of teach
ers are in excess of that prevailing
elsewhere, the salary schedule shal
correspondingly exceed that suggested
as the standard for adoption, Further
that the county and state superintend
ents of public instruction should re
ceive salaries commensurate with thu
responsibilities Of their respective Off
ces,
Not only must the pecuniary reward
of the teaching profession be adequate
but If strong and self-respecting mel
and women, fit leaders of youth, are t.
, he attracted to and held in this profes
sion, other conditions within this fell
must be likewise attractive. 1t is tn
teachers right to have congenial sur
roundngs and comfortable living quar-
ters, and to be accorded such civic an
social recognition and participation |
community affairs, as her talents an
conduct may merit.
In return for which it is the obliga
: ton of the teacher to render fu'
r measure of service, to utilize ever
| available means to improve herself pro
fessionally, and to ever hold herself a