The Washington herald., 1921-04-27

- - 80 - = s>oAs1A1NAs
"one Of the greatest problems
confronting educators today" de-
clares Mrs. George B. Chandler
president of the Connecticut Parent
Teacher Association. and corre-
spending secretary of the National
Congress Of Mothers and Parent
Teacher Associations. now In ses-
sion here. "is how to attract to the
teaching profession more Of the nm
est and best type of women-those
who are equipped physically, men,
tally and spiritually to be inspira-
tional teachers. There are many
who have all the mental equipment
necessary, but still lack that which
is essential for successful teaching"
WAS TEACHING
EVER MADE ATTRACTIvEf
In the discussion with Mrs. Cham
dler the question was raised as 70
whether teaching had ever been an
attractive profession TO women. ei
whether women went 20 universally y
into this kind of work In the old
days because society considered II
the only respectable thing q woman
OF any education could do.
unfortunately for the children OF
today" replied Mrs. Chandler, II be-
lieve that our young women, since
the gates to SO many other 6elds
have been opened to them, hnd, or
think they find. therein a broader,
more congenial sphere for their ac-
+-tivity and expression than In the
held Of teaching. Something must
be done about this condition-but
what? Our greatest thinkers have
not been able to solve the problem.
QUESTION OF PAY
ACTS As DETERRENT.
'Of' course the question of re-
muneration, or rather the lack Of
1t, has been a deterrent of consid-
cradle importance for young wom-
en- contemplating teaching as a pro-
fession. This objection Is being re-
moved to some extent.
Despite this. however, I feel that
there are many bright. wonderful
young women splendid potential
teachers-who will not feel the urge
to this kind of service. So still the
problem is with u.s."
DO you think the social position
that teachers occupy in many COM
munities, more particularly the
larger ones, is an unattractive fea-
ture for women in teaching?" Mrs.
Chandler was asked.
SOCIAL POSITION OF TEAcHhR
VARIES WITH COMMUNITY.
That may be true of some COM
munities," said Mrs. Chandler.
Conditions in communities vary SO
much that Il is difficult to make a
general statement regarding that
possibility. In my own community
the teachers live a very normal life.
Still / suppose there are places
where a teachers social life Is ex-
pressed chiefly in the meetings of
teachers clubs and similar organ
izations.
Where this condition exists one
could hardly expect the young
woman fresh from college and filled
with enthusiasm. ideals, vision and
the JOY of life to be, happy and con-
tented with this abnormal life"
APPROVES THE YOUTH
OF TODAY.
To hear Mrs. Chandler express
her opinion of the youth of today
would make the pessimistic critics
struggle hard to prove their conten-
tions. If indeed. they could even get
foothold in their argument.
She believes that there are many
kinds of girls and boys-young men
and young women,-as there al
ways have been, and that the mil
lennium has not yet been reached,
but that youth has its face to the
future, progress and a better order.
The glorious youth of today! It
thrills me" exclaimed Mrs, Chand-
Ter with a bright light in her eyes
and flush of enthusiasm on her
youthful face.