Evening star., 1949-11-22

the reluctance OF young women 10 enteT tIle
teaching profession. One reason is intan-
gible. but nonetheless real: Careless refer
ences to teachers as "old-maid school teach
ers";; or such remarks as "A teacher can't
get husband" or "She just went into teach
ing until something better came along"
Mothers have frequently said to me in dis
cussing their daughters futures, Il hope she
does anything except become teacher"
think such remarks, combined with the
continual harping on the poor economic lot
Of the teacher. have initiated against the
teaching profession.
Another reason, in my opinion, for the
lack Of recruits to the teaching profession is
constant meddling by outsiders with the
teachers Job. While some school-board
members, unfortunately. do this, there are
many other sources Of interference with the
teacher Our American teachers are loyal,
well-trained individuals who for the most
part, try to do good job in training young
people Members of school boards should
be on the alert to protect teachers from un-
warranted attacks by maintaining the posi-
ton that until charges are proved the teacher
is innocent, rather than yielding to the in
evitable shouts Of alarm every time teacher
Is alleged to have made dubious statement
or transgressed in some other way. Teachers
are not all perfect. Of course. but adminis-
trative procedures are available to punish
those who have betrayed their trust as teach
ers Whenever read general. unsubstanti-
ated charges that Communistic or otherwise
llnfit teachers are In our classrooms in large
numbers I remember the usual classroom
situation. All day long the teacher faces
40 pairs Of observant eyes, 40 pairs Of alert
ears and 40 busy tongues. The teacher
lacks even the slight protection afforded to
the goldfish by his bowl With the addi-
tional safeguard Of supervisors and other
school officials teacher who Is not loyal,
moral human being will be found out. no
matter what cunning he or she employs.
Able. loyal teachers are entitled to feeling
Of security and Of confidence in their jobs.
Rewards for Women Are Limited.
There is yet another reason which, IN my
opinion, deters young women from seeking
teaching positions. That is the lack OF op-
portunities for advancement to administra-
tive posts. The proportion OF women IN the
actual teaching personnel Of any city or
State as compared with the number Of men
80 employed is very high; but the reverse Is
true with respect to administrative positions.
Men enter public school teaching. at least
in the elementary grades, with an eye to
chances for advancement to an adminiStra-
tive post. Many women do not wish admin
istrative responsibility, but for qualified
women who have such ambitions, the rewards
are regrettably few. In the Washington
schools I know Of many women who handle
administrative duties with professional dis
tinction. They are proving to doubters that
women can be able executives. and at the
same time they are demonstrating fine
sense Of responsibility as women leaders in
their f1eld.
I have touched upon certain examples OF
the responsibilities that accompany member
ship on Q school board. It has been priv
ilege and pleasure to have had the oppor-
tunity, to serve 80 long on such board.
Whatever the trials and tribulations OF
current controversy, one always has the
assurance that the "crisis" will pass-and
another promptly take its place. The one
determination, to make all ones decisions
thoughtfully. and prayerful1y. on the basis
of principles, and with accurate factual in
formation. One thing Is sure-the realiza-
ton that you will be damned II you do, and
damned If you don't; 50 q clear under
standing Of the problem before the decision
and q clear conscience after the decision are
al that one needs. After that, don't worry!
You have done your best as you saw It,"
During my service have handed diplomas
TO thousands Of young Americans. As I
have looked into their alert, intelligent faces
I have found deep satisfaction and content
ment In what have seen. For over 20 years
I have watched them as they took their
places in the life Of our country. on battle
fronts far from home, in the laboratory or
the factory. In Government service. the
classroom. the home These products Of our
American schools have made the United
States the leading country in the world to-
day. In q world that is sorely perplexed, the
United States bears the greatest response
bility. Whatever the future holds. American
hnvs and rirls will meet the CHALLENGE of
their time. don't just think that: !