Looking Back: Teachers contracts have changed
This is the time of year when district school boards and teachers are negotiating contracts for the 2006-07 school year.
Following is a 1923 contract offered to a school teacher in Marion County.
Teacher's Contract 1923
This is an agreement between Miss _______, teacher, and the Board of Education of the __________ School, whereby Miss ______ agrees to teach in the _________ School from a period of eight months, beginning Sept. 1, 1923.
The Board of Education agree to pay Miss ______ the sum of $75 per month.
Miss ____ agrees:
1. Not to get married. This contract becomes null and void immediately if the teacher marries.
2. Not to keep company with men.
3. To be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless in attendance at a school function.
4. Not to loiter downtown in ice cream stores.
5. Not to leave town at any time without the permission of the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
6. Not to smoke cigarettes. This contract becomes null and void immediately if the teacher is found smoking.
7. Not to drink beer, wine, or whiskey. This contract becomes null and void immediately if the teacher is found drinking beer, wine, or whiskey.
8. Not to ride in a carriage or automobile with any man except her brother or father.
9. Not to dress in bright colors.
10. Not to dye her hair.
11. To wear at least two petticoats.
12. Not to wear dresses more than two inches above the ankles.
13. To keep the school room clean:
a. To sweep the classroom floor at least once daily.
b. To scrub the classroom floor at least once weekly with hot water and soap.
c. To clean the blackboard at least once daily.
d. To start the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be warm at 8 a.m. when the children arrive.
14. Not to use face powder, mascara, or paint the lips.
