Milford chronicle., 1956-03-30

OF the. crOcuS coming quietly eacn spring,
strengthens faith and quickens hope.
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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR
THE TEACHING PROFESSION
There are many diverse and conflicting
opinions on problems affecting the education
al system and the teaching profession. But
on one point something close to unanimity
seems to exist-that we are on the verge of
a severe teacher shortage. In the compara-
lively near future we will need great In
crease in the rolls of active teachers all the
way from the elementary schools to the grad
uate colleges. But, we are told, the numbers
of young people preparing for and entering
the profession is dangerously SMALL
At the same time, there has been grow
ing impression that teaching is undesirable
as a career, and is mainly attractive to peo-
pie who are unwilling or unable to make the
grade in the tough, competitive fields of trade
and commerce. AS an educator of long ex-
perience, Samuel B. Could President of An
tioch College, puts it: "The teacher is all too
often portrayed in the American scene as a.
fumbling, impractical, neurotic7 individual
living on starvation wages and seeking ref
uge in his profession as an escape from the
world" DR.. Gould feels, and strongly, that
this is a gross misrepresentation. He be-
lieves that teaching is not only among the
greatest of professions, but that 1T offers
material as well as spiritual rewards
1t is almost universally said that teachers
are underpaid. DR.. Gould agrees-but points
out that what is usually left lnsaid is that
the situation is steadily improving. Salaries
of $4,000 for classroom teachers are not un-
common now and state after state has rais-
ed the minimums. Also, he adds: In many
other walks of life the financial returns are
not as great as one might suppose. There is
a great plateau at about the $1,000 to $4,000
a year level for employees in business and
industry which only comparative few man.
age to get beyond" AS for the teacher, DR.
Gould is convinced that economic progress
will continue, and at an accelerated rate
and that improvement in teacher quality will
do much to speed and increase financial re-
turn.
He finds small merit in the common state
ment that most Of the teachers work is sheer
drudgery- grading, theme correcting, prep
aration for classes, etc. All professions
medicine, chemistry, the law, whatever-re-
quire great amounts of plOddlng labor. He
says: Teaching has as much drudgery and
routine in it as other professions, but nc
m0re'
Then he disputes the equally common
claim that the teaching profession has COM
paratively little recognition and status in
this country. Teachers who have entered in
to and demonstrated leadership in civic and
cultural affairs have won marked adnira-
ton and respect. He states: "As an individ-
ual the teacher has and will continue to have
all the opportunities which others have for
service sSad prestige"
Dr. Gould ends his discussion on an op-
timistic note: ''The teacher of tomorrow viii
be carefully selected, broadly trained and
adequately paid He will be the powerful
force by which this nation will achieve the
maturity of mind and the serenity of spirit
that are the hallmarks of true greatness. He
will have new awareness of destiny and
new sense of calling. Most of ALL he will
be recognized and honored among men as
one to whom God has given priceless op-
portunity to serve"
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THROW IT AWAY
If the mailman brings merchandise which
was not ordered and is not wanted, it need
not be returned So says an authority on