WOMEN TEACHERS IN 1915 COULD NOT MARRY OR DATE - No Loitering, Riding In Cars, Smoking Or Wearing Bright Colors

(04/12/2002)

By Bob Weaver 2002 The world of rules is a subject of discontent for students and teachers in school systems, particularly in recent years when it seems the number of rules are never-ending. Calhoun educator, the late Fae Cox, submitted these Rules of Conduct for female teachers used in 1915, five years before women were given the right to vote. Female teachers must have had a tightening device to keep within the boundaries of these expectations, but maybe they were use to it back then. FEMALE TEACHER RULES: 1. You will not marry during the term of your contract. 2. You will not keep company with men. 3. You must be home between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 4. You may not loiter downtown in ice cream stores. 5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have permission of the chairman of the board. 6. You may not ride in a carriage or automobile with any man unless he is your father or brother. 7. You may not smoke cigarettes. 8. You may not dress in bright colors. 9. You may under no circumstances dye your hair. 10. You must at least wear two petticoats. 11. Your dresses must not be any shorter than two inches above the ankle. 12. To keep the school room clean and neat, you must sweep the floor at least once a week with hot, soapy water, clean the blackboards at least once a day, and start the fire at 7 a.m. so the room will be warm by 8 a.m. Today's Teacher Code of Conduct in Calhoun is more ambiguous than the biased, gender bent, politically incorrect conditions placed on female teachers in 1915: 1. Demonstrate a belief that all students can learn. 2. Give assignments that make learning relevant. 3. Teach responsible citizenship and life skills. 4. Treat each student fairly. 5. Promote a safe and positive learning environment. 6. Be a good adult role model. 7. Exhibit a caring, honest and professional attitude. 8. Maintain professional growth and development. 9. Communicate with parents. 10. Recognize the community as a partner in educating students. 11. Maintain confidentiality. 12. Abide by policies and regulations.

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