New York State Teachers Association document
Source Images
Transcription
The New York State Teachers’ Association
present form, in the belief that they were possessed of enough common interests to justify an attempt to work out their purposes in a body.
Other professions do so. Lawyers and doctors are civic faculties to be reckoned with because of unity of effort. Manufacturers, merchants and laborers co-operate for their common ends. By various forms of association control, fruit growers have immensely improved their products and their marketing. Farmers even are beginning to have their close organizations. Agricultural specialists and teachers in science and philosophy co-operate in larger or smaller groups. All find profit in this combination of forces.
There was every reason to think that teachers, in themselves and their teaching might be measurably benefited by consolidating their forces in state-wide team-work; whether it be through influencing the general public to a more intimate interest in the schools; or the law-makers to support progressive legislation; or the school officials to impersonal and non-political management of their schools; or taxpayers to a more generous appreciation of the educational program;—that neither individual teachers nor geographical sections of the State nor political factions, should work at cross purposes. It was seen that the State system is one, from the kindergarten to the university; one in purpose and support; one in responsibilities and privileges; one in its dependence upon supporting public sentiment; one educational agency, stable or tottering, as is the whole.
The following reasons why every New York State teacher should be actively connected with the New York State Teachers’ Association are noted for the careful consideration of every teacher:
- Because, sharing in the honors attached to the profession, every one should bear his share in responsibility for the efforts made to promote its growth and influence.
[stamp: New York State Teachers’ Association]