Frequently an issue in higher education, instructors' salaries became a serious point of contention in the Normal School system in the post WWI years. Stagnant wages throughout the war period became unbearable as prices continued to rise. Instructors from all of the state Normal Schools lobbied the legislature and governor for increased funds. Their efforts were defeated several times but the teachers continued their fight. For its part, Oshkosh Normal chose Rose Swart, then in her seventies, to lead them into legislative battle.

Graph used by Swart to demonstrate the need for higher pay, 1918.

In addition to cost of living increases, it was clear to Swart and others that their salaries were far less than those of Normal schools in surrounding states. In fact, many of the teachers were leaving Wisconsin for better paying positions elsewhere, receiving on average a $500 increase (or roughly 25%-40% of their Wisconsin salary). There was added concern among the instructors that the meager Wisconsin wages would lower the quality of the teaching staff. To maintain the quality of instructors and to stave off a greater exodus, Swart and leaders across the state demanded at least an immediate increase of 20%. Eventually, the Normal instructors received an increase of only 11%. Despite this limited success, it is clear that the contribution of Oshkosh's own Miss Swart to the fight was appreciated by Normal school leaders across the state.

 

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