DUBUQUE TEACHERS' CLUB

DUBUQUE TEACHERS' CLUB. A predecessor of this organization was the DUBUQUE WOMAN TEACHERS' CLUB. In 1903 the group was "pursuing a commendable policy in seeking to secure salary advances for themselves.

This organization of teachers was organized on September 19, 1912 to aid in the passage of a Teacher's Pension Bill for Iowa. The membership included a majority of the woman teachers of the city and an invitation to join was sent to the teachers in the county. Miss Marshall was the president and Miss Lucas the recording secretary.

The executive board of the organization met once a week from its founding until November, 1914 and correspondence was maintained with other people interested in a pension bill. In November 1912 the legislative committee in Des Moines asked to meet with representatives of the organization. A bill was prepared that had state-wide implications. Miss Marshall and James H. HARRIS, the superintendent of the Dubuque public schools were elected to membership on the legislative committee.

The local organization voted to become members of the Federation of Grade Teachers in May 1913. The same year, the organization asked prominent community leaders to sign a letter in support of the pension bill. Personal letters were also encouraged.

In 1914 the local association joined the Iowa Federation of Teachers' Clubs. Miss Marshall and Miss Lucas attended the May meeting as delegates. Miss Marshall was appointed chairman of the legislative committee while Miss Lucas became the Federation secretary. Through the work of the Dubuque representatives, an appropriation of $500 was made to carry out publicity in favor of a pension bill prior to the next legislative session.

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Source:

"Society," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, December 6, 1914 p. 13