Single women were favored for elementary school teaching positions as supervision of children was thought to be a natural feminine talent. Women were also paid a lower salary than men, increasing their popularity with Boards of Education. Adirondack schoolmistresses often boarded with area families and helped with the housework in addition to their academic duties. If the teacher found a suitor in the community and married, she was relieved of her teaching position immediately. It was not considered "proper" for married women to teach.

I have had a schoolteachers trials today, sure enough. I went to school this morning with a presentiment of trouble, for it has been a rain day, and then the scholars come to school . . . One of the largest boys in school got the idea that he would do as he pleased to which I had some objections, and so sent for a couple of whips and then made use of them, Albert finally come to the wise conclusion to obey and do as I wished, if he had not I don't know but I would have stayed until this time, for I'll never give up after I once commence. Rosannah M. Wheelock
Hawkinsville, New York
July 31, 1857

Why didn't Albert run when she sent for the whip? Rosannah was nineteen years old in 1857.

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