The problem is that that situation existed because of real sexism - a level of discrimination not acceptable.
Women who today run companies - - and represent us in legislatures around the country - - back then were restricted to 'teaching or nursing'... Lots of high level talent very cheap - - an early sexist version of the CHEAP LABOR EXPRESS.
A modern day solution might include raising teachers pay to $80,000 a year and having schools open year round with students allowed to choose the 3 months they take off for 'summer'... That would weed out people who see teaching as a 'side job' or hobby. It would also open up teaching slots to higher quality citizens. Also teachers should teach within a field... not be 'education majors'. But that's a different subject.
“The problem is that that situation existed because of real sexism - a level of discrimination not acceptable.”
Not only was it acceptable, it was essential, as we see from the mess around us.
We had better get back to that ASAP if we are to survive as a civilization.
You are leaving out the effects of unionism. American public education went into the dumpster when the unions managed to gain control over the teachers. A quote from one of the organizers was to the effect that children (and their parents) don’t vote in union elections.