Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-02-02

at may be observed that this does
not provide a living even for the
time the teacher is at work. It will
be necessary for her to find outside
employment for her long vacation
which must detract from her pro-
fessional spirit and efficiency. It is
also observed that there is no chance
for culture or growth which is quite
essential for teacher. Further there
is no chance for thrift in the form
OF saving. The public is likely to lose
sight Of the fact that the teacher who
keeps abreast of these rapidly chang
ing times and advancing efficiency
IN methods must pass a summer in
school at least one out Of three"
The salaries of high school teach
ers are no better. They should have
four years college education and
must have at least two years Of COL
!ese preparation. The 81 male teach
ers in the high schools Of the State
other than principals receive a me-
dian of $1,000, the 352 female teach
ers $500.
The average salary Of superin-
tendents is a trif1e less than $1,000
employed IL months in the year. A
superintendent with a family Of FIVE
children writes me that he finds il
impossible to make his salary meet
his actual expenses and asks to be
released from his position as a los.
ing game.
am giving herewith the state
ment OF the situation prepared and
signed by the nine representatives
in the New York conference.
Reports from various states in.
oicate that the shortage Of teachers
mas reached a most critical stage
ana that remedies must be found and
ADOPTED or 1t is certain that many
more public schools must be closed
10 TINS end there must be mater;.,
increase IN teachers salaries and a
thorough reorganization of tho
means OF teacher training.
Inc public schools Of the na,;on
are facing a critical situation. In the
states OF the Atlantic seaboard hun-
dreds OF schools are closed hecaura
teachers are not available for fber,
mere are being employed as teach
srs large numbers Of persons who
10 not possess the qualifications thai
nave hitherto been required. 4 loss
OF students. in the State normal
SCHOOLS. amounting to rs, 30 and
IN some states. so per cent. indi,
Gates that young persons are turn.
ing thelr attention to other occu-
patlons other than teaching.
commercial and industrial opnor.
.uhi.ies are not only ATTRACTING
teachers from the schools. but tha,,
are drawing away from supervisors.
positions in education those nnon
"hom reliance for leadership sbon,d
be placed. snouiu
EDUCATION. as the chief concern Of
me people. related closely to Their
sely SOCIAL civic and industrial en- :.
! terprlse' must have at once the 50.
nous attention Of all citizens n ~
ehd tnat the compensation Of te.oh
ers De established on such . n1an
as VIII attract into and hold In 81,
SCHOOLS rural, village and CITY ~,
pe'ent instructors of youth. th.t :
nisn standard Of profession,, ~,
i,ica'lon IN the schools be ass,,r,
.iiat there be suitable encoura een,an.
~ young men and women RI 60
upon the work Of teaching: thst ~.
en- initiative and skill be ret.inaS
supervisory positions. III
The pressing nroh,a,
present time. the settlement =, .he
new issues Of the immediate fr.,,ne
ue'iahd from the people thai M,
nc eoucatlon be not permitted 70 s,,r
Ter any lapse. 1t is paramoun.
duty OF the local communit;e. ns -,
state and of the nation. each - me
appropriate way. to prepare for,h ,s
win to meet the necesslties of III.
most urgent situation:
The following were present >.
the meeting and signed the st.."
ment: Augustus Q. Thomas ST..
superintendent of schools of the St,to
OF Maine: Payson Smith, commits
s,oner OF education. Boston. Mass
=: W. Butterfeld. Commissioner 81
eaucatlon. New Hampshire: G. n
Kendall, commissioner Of educat;on
state OF New Jersey; Frank p. Gil
pert deputy commissioner OF educa :
uon' state Of New York: George N
WHEY, assistant commissioner Of cd
ucatfon. New York state department,
or Education; W.. D. Lewis. DENNY
superintendent representing Thomas