Progress in the 1950s
1952
The government responds to the teacher shortage by lowering standards. A grade 12 graduate who completes a six-week summer course can earn a temporary teaching certificate. in response, teachers’ federations begin their own professional development programs.
1954
Women teachers’ salaries average about 82% of men’s, up from 67% in 1945.
1954
Teachers define taking a salary of less than $2,400 as “unethical.”
1950-59
Teachers move from a pay system based on gender or grade level to one based on qualifications, years of experience and additional responsibility. This is the beginning of what has evolved into the salary grid.
The salary grid is important because it eliminates individual bargaining, underbidding and divisions based on gender or grade level.