The Republican journal., 1922-02-09
Salaries of Teachers

If the question of increasing the salaries
of teachers were put to public thorough
ly aware of the facts in the case the de-
cision would be overwhelmingly favor
able. Let us get clearly in mind these
facts.
Education is frankly recognized by
thinking people everywhere as the basis
of successful democratic government.
Numerous problems are now testing
democratic governments as they have
never been tested before. Therefore edu-
cation now and in the future needs to be
supported and developed as never before.
Otherwise the whole structure of civili-
zation is threatened with disaster. Edu-
cation is at once insurance against danger
and the key investment that makes pos
sible greater development in the future.
At the heart of the whole scheme of
education stands the teacher If he is
wise and strong and influential, sound
educational practice will exercise con-
trolling influence upon the youth of the
nation and the foundations in good cit-
zenship will be sure. Great buildings and
large classes are futile except as they are
vitalzed by well-trained, conscientious,
and capable teachers. To obtain such
teachers it is necessary to have candi-
dates who are strong and fit-the best is
none too good for the nations children.
1t is necessary that these candidates be
trained to deal with the difficult problems
of education. Such training is costly
and strong men and women must have
some inducement to spend the years and
money that it requires.
What inducement shall be offered the
prospective teacher-the teacher who is
to prepare today's children for citizenship
in the greater nation of tomorrow? There
are two great inducements-the privilege
of service and reasonable opportunity to
enjoy the things that go with economic
independence. The privilege of service
is great appeal. 1t is dominating in
fluence in the lives of the best teachers.
However, in the organization OF modern
society there are attractive opportunities
for service in business and many other
fields outside of teaching. Society can
not and should not rely entirely upon the
appeal Of service to maintain its system
of education. Modern society is abund-
antly able to afford adequate education.
1t should be willing to pay the price.
What then should be done with teach
ers' salaries? Again let US recall the
facts Before the war, teaching had be-
come notorious as a makeshift occupa-
ton. The war drew attention to the ap-
palling situation and after vigorous
campaign by the National Education As
sociation and other agencies salaries were
advanced somewhat. In only few cases
were they advanced to levels which
would insure permanent supply of ma
ture weli-trained teachers. The great
majority of American CO munities must
face squarely and frankly the problem of
still further increasing the salaries OF
their educational workers. This will re-
Quire recognition of the primary import
ance of education. 1t may require new
emphasis on values. 1t will require care
full study and reorganization of methods
of revenue-raising. 1t will require State
aid and Federal aid, but it must be done.
Democracy in its great hour of trial can
not afford to undermine the source of its
strength and security-the school. 1t can.
not afford not to pay salaries that Will
insure to every child IN the nation a COM
petent and we'll framed teacher.