Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1921-04-20
NOTES OF COUNTY SUPT.


OF the 140 rural positions in the
county, statistics show that one-third
drop out of its ranks each year-some
to take up other work, some get mar
ried, and some to other counties or
other teaching positions. The Vernon
county normal, while turning out a
large class this year, win not fill the
gap caused by those who drop out.
Still, we are better of than five
sixths Of the counties of the state.
Their shortage is greater than ours
and their visible supply smaller.
mention these things to call at
tention Of school boards to the need
of securing their teachers for next
year early while the picking is good.
gave the same advice last year and
the boards that needed it found that
they profited by needing it, while
/ those who held off, hoping against
hope, that teachers would be plentiful,
in several instances paid considerable
more for untried teachers.
| The fact is true, that there is a
shortage of teachers and will be for
three or four years yet. Therefore
let us not fight the fact but accept it
and act wisely under the hard cold
facts.
There shouldn't be a shortage.
Teaching is the noblest profession
of all" But there is, therefore if you
have daughter or a son you would
like to see get into the teaching work,
help him or her to get the education
and training which will equip for the
teaching field. Then and only then,
will the supply equal the demand
when suitable young men and wo-
men with noble Christian character
and high purpose can be induced to
prepare for the field.) Until that time
the shortage exists unless consolida-
tion of schools cuts down the call for
teachers to teach in schools with en-
rollments of from to 10 and IL to
Is pupils. We have thirteen such
schools in this county, too small to be
fair for the pupils or teacher, nor pro-
| fitable to the patrons or taxpayers.
In Conclusion
If you have a teacher who is Civ
ing satisfaction, and doing good work,
re-engage her for the coming year,
even if you have to, in some cases,
give her a five or ten dollar raise
None ever paid real teacher too
much. And many of you will testify
that a poor teacher is dear at any
price. Several boards have told me
of their experience in that line this
year. If you prefer a change and
want better teacher this year than
you had last year, get busy, look up
one, and engage her. In general it
/ is not best to hire beginners in their
own district in large schools, nor in
schools considered hard to discipline.
The larger schools and those where
there has been difficulty in matters
of discipline should hire teachers with
experience and proven success. Some
times a teacher is chosen without
knowing whether that teacher stands
good chance of succeeding or not.
Some teachers can succeed in some
schools while they are sure to fail in
others. The teacher should be select
ed with care. | have been watching
the schools and the teachers this year
with an idea that could then be more
qualified to the kind of teacher the
school should have. and the kind of
school the teacher should take. /
stand ready to help adjust teachers
and schools for the benefit of each.
Yours for better schools.