The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1921-03-11

efficiency on the part Of the teacher.
The taxpayers have increased their
school taxes; they have a right to de-
mand that they shall have better pre-
pared teachers, II the increase in sal
airy OF teacher and Of superintendent
means that we shall have the same
teacher and the same superintendent,
without Improvement In interest or
preparation or capacity, we shall have
helped possibly the teacher and the
superintendent but we shall not have
improved our schools nor shall we
have given the children better
chance. We must keep faith with the
taxpayers. Above all, we must keep
faith with the children for whose ben
eft, and for whose benefit alone, the
schools exist and salaries are increas-
ed.
The two state Normals and the Uni
versity are generously promoting the
plan of establishing summer schools
in as many counties as conditions will
justify. These schools will offer five
weeks term. Full credit will be given
for work done In these summer
schools, provided 1t measures up to
the regular standards. II will bring
teacher-training opportunities closer
to the teacher. 1t will cheaper the
cost of attending summer school. 1t
will vindicate the teachers pledge to
the Taxpayer that better pay meant
a better prepared teacher. The course
offered must of necessity be limited in
scope. 1t will be designed to meet the
needs of those most limited in their
preparation. Those desiring wider |
and a fuller course will find it in the
summer schools offered by the two
Normal schools and by the University.
Such teachers will be expected to at
tend the established institutions for
summer work.
The last week Of these summer
schools will be designated institute
week" and will take the place of the
regular institute, and all teachers in
the county will be compelled to at
tend. The salary schedule of each
county will carry a provision that
recognizes and rewards the teachers |
who attend the summer school. The |
just appointed can do |
no better thing than attend, them
selves, some school offering work suit
able for them at its summer session.
A teachers preparation or super
preparation is not thing |
that is accomplished once and then is |
back of us forever; so long as we are |
capable of learning, our preparation |
continues. When we are dead and
should quit the profession. The Ken
lucky child is entitled to drink from
a stream of living water, and not from
a stagnant pond. Kentucky must have
better prepared teachers; every edu-
cational facility ought to be devoted
to that end. We can not safely or
wisely overlook any opportunity to
accomplish this result.
This is a problem of the people
rather than of the teaching profess
sion. The people should demand it of
the teachers and should accept no less.
AS the spokesman of the people, as the
molders of public opinion, as the pio-
neers of all better things, we appeal
to the press of the state for help. We
shall always be grateful for the I'M
selfish support given to the cause of
education by our press. We realize,
however that not our gratitude, but
the consciousness of service rem
dered, is the incentive that prompts
them to this support.
Alexander the Great is said to have