Kutztown University - Keystonia Yearbook (Kutztown, PA)

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Dadiwtim This year Keystonia is dedicated to a faculty member Whose continuous in- terest in education is of more than forty-nine years' duration. Mr. William Wesley Baker, Director of Laboratory Schools and of the Placement Bureau, has long been known as the prospective teachers' best friend. But before coming to Kutztown in 1930, Mr. Raker held positions in several Pennsylvania towns and counties. Mr. Raker started his teaching career as a rural school teacher in Tioga and Lycoming counties. In 1903 he was made Assistant Principal of Schools in Muncy. He then held positions as High School Principal in Tyrone and Brad- ford. From 1921 until he joined our faculty, Mr. Baker was High School Prin- cipal and Superintendent of Schools in Bloomsburg. Appreciative of his excellent work in teacher placement and in the classroom, as well as in the Laboratory Schools, the class of 1948 is happy to make this dedication. $$ch ' 6a666a6

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3716 theme: ll. JV. 5. 5. 6. 0. Of utmost importance to all the peoples of the world, and of particular importance to the teaching protession, is the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. After having experienced two devastating wars, the world has at last come to realize that peace cannot be perpetuated on political and economic arrangements alone; for in addition to these, intellectual cooperation has been recognized as an urgent world necessity. Based on this latter need the work of UNESCO was begun. The purpose of UNESCO, as stated in its constitution, is llto contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among the nations in order to further universal respect for jus- tice, tor the rule of law, and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are at- tirmed tor the peoples ot the world without distinction of race, sex, language, or religion by me charter or the United Nations. in its tirst year UNESCO has furthered educational, scientific, and cultural reconstruction of countries ravaged by war,- has taken steps towards fundamental education throughout the world; has promoted international understanding through teacher seminars, through the im- provement of teaching materials, by serving and promoting clubs, and by furthering adult education, international study centers and the exchange of persons. It has begun prepara- tion of a model charter defining and raising the status of teachers all over the world. An international theatre institute has been planned as well as an exchange center for literary material of all types. Plainly much has been accomplished in the first year of existence of UNESCO. Undoubtedly its influence for intellectual understanding will increase each year, but the question which more and more frequently looms before the individual as world problems are llhashed and rillashedH isellWhat can I do? beltishly we can decide that being fairly well contented ourselves, we can afford to let the other fellow look out for himself. This attitude, coupled with the real difficulty of finding out what is expected of us, is the cause of the lassitude which develops when che battle is won. But can we let the pure luck of our being born into a land of comparative freedom and happiness excuse us from our obligations? Even, and perhaps especially, the most self- interested must see that we can not! UNESCO stresses immediate individual action for several reasons: Hill individual action springing from individual understanding of world problems is the most direct and most effec- tive way of creating a permanent desire for peace. tZl the philosophy of Let George do it!' has had a great deal to do with getting us into two world wars in a single generation. l3l individuals collectively are more powerful than they know. If the individual thinks straight today, there is an excellent chance that the world as a whole may think straight tomorrow. Ml previous efforts to build the kind of understanding that would eliminate wars got stalled on a high level and did not reach the ordinary people. With these reasons foremost UNESCO presents a practical program which the individual can understand and carry out, and which the teacher is particularly well situated to promote. This program is presented simply and interestingly in the Department of State Publication 2904, UNESCO and YOU. The program makes known the correct agencies and methods for contacting them in the direction of contributions of money, supplies, and time, but of perhaps greater importance, are the steps formulated for the development of world understanding in every community and for the unveiling of race hatred, bigotry, and war-mongering. Teachers and parents especially are in a position to influence the younger generation in the ways of peace by setting an example of tolerance and understanding, by keeping up With and helping school programs, by taking part in the religious education of youth, and by entering into the activities of local youth groups. Youth then is the corner stone upon which we will build. It is hoped that the graduates of this year and every year will keep in mind this basic principle upon which UNESCO oper- ates: llSince wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed, and with the active support of millions of individuals, its pur- pose and principles can not, must not, fail. 744a64666a644e 5

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GREETINGS FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION: The Alumni Association congratulates the Class of 1948 and lauds each member of the class for participation in developing the 1948 Keystoma on the theme UNESCO. The United Nations Educationall Scientific and Cultural Olganization is of major concern to American citizens in general and to teachers in particular. The keynote of the organization is that of international understanding and friendship. The teaching profession prepares the leaders of tomorrow. The doctors, lawyers, merchants, manufacturers, engineers, and farmers of tomorrow are in the schools today. The teachers have the glorious opportunity of helping boys and girls understand the peoples of all lands, respect them for their achievementaand sympathize with them in their troubles. In short only love, the positive force, can bind peo- ples together into friendship. In the preamble to the UNESCO Constitution you find the following significant statements, each ot which should be a tremendous challenge to every teacher: ilSince wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed. Ignorance of each other's ways and lives has been a common cause throughout the history or mankind, of that suspicion and distrust between the peoples of the world through which the ditterences have all too often broken into war. The wide diffusion of culture and the education of humanity for justice and liberty and peace are indispensable to the dignity of man and constitute a sacred duty which all the nations must fultil in a spirit of mutual assistance and concern. Become builders for peace by laying the foundations of peace in the minds and hearts of; the boys and girls you teach. Substitute understanding and sympathy for ignorance, suspi- mom and distrust in cultivating the art of making and maintaining satisfactory human rela- tionships at home and abroad. In a spirit ot mutual assistance and concern accept the sacred duty of preparing a part of humanity for justice, liberty and peace and thereby uplift the dignity of man. May God grant you abundant success in your chosen profession. Sincerely yours, C. F. SEIDEL, President of the Alumni Association zeca66a64