The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1922-01-19

SHALL SALARIES BE
| INCREASED SOON?
If the question of increasing the
salaries of teachers We're put to a
public thoroughly aware of the facts
in the case the decision would be. over
whelmingly favorable. Let US get
clearly in mind these facts.
Education is frankly recognized by
thinking people everywhere as the
basis of successful democratic govern
ment. Numerous problems are now
testing democratic governments as
they have never been tested before.
Therefore education now and in the
future needs to be supported and de-
veloped as never before. Otherwise
the whole structure of civilization is
threatened with disaster. Education
is at once insurance against danger
and the key investment that makes
possible greater development in the
future. ..a-. 49,.
At the heart of the whole scheme
of education stands the teacher. If
he is wise and strong and influential,
sound. educational practice will exer-
else controlling influence upon the
youth Of the Nation and the founda-
tons in good citizenship will be sure,
Great buildings and large classes are
futile except as they are vitalizedr by
well-trained, conscientious, and cap
able teachers. To obtain such teach
ers it is necessary to have candidates
who are strong and fit-the best is
none too good for the Nations chill
dren. It is necessary that these can
didates 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
VINO IS to prepare today's children for
citizenship in the greater Nation Of
tomorrow? There are two great in
ducements-the privilege of service
and reasonable opportunity to enjoy
the things that go with economic indie
pendence. The privilege of service is
a great appeal. It is dominating
influence in the lives of the best
teachers. However, in the organiza-
ton of modern society there are at
tractive opportunities for service in
business and many other fields out
side of teaching. Society cannot and
should not rely entirely upon the ap-
peal of service to maintain its system
of education Modern society is
abundantly able to afford. adequate
education. It should be willing to
pay the price.
What, then should be done with
teachers salaries? Again let us re-
call the facts. Before the war, teach
ing had become notorious as a make
shift occupation. The war drew at
tention to the appalling situation and
after a vigorous campaign by the
National Education Association and
other agencies were advanced some
what. In only few cases were they
advanced to levels which would insure
a permanent supply of mature we'll
trained teachers. The great majority
of American communities must face
squarely and frankly the problem Of
still further increasing the salaries
of their educational workers. They
will require recognition of the pri-
mary Importance of education. 1t may
require new emphasis on values. It
will require careful study and reor-
ganization of methods of revenue
raising. It will require State aid and
Federal aid, but it must be done.
Democracy in it's great hour Of trial
cannot afford to undermine the source
of it's strength and securitythe
school. It cannot afford not to pay
salaries that will insure to every child
in the Nation a competent and we'll
trained teacher.
IN. E. A. Journal"