Foreword
It might be taking too much upon adult fiction to say that it sets the pace for American candor-but there is no doubt that it has led the way in the discussion of sometimes forbidden and sometimes embarrassing topics. It has made the first amendment work. And it has served in its own way to better society.
The subject of THE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER has been a perennial one in adult fiction: the drives and motivations that make an adult woman (or man) teacher enter into sexual relations with her young students.
No one has ever denied that this takes place. In fact, there is evidence that sexual contacts between authority figures and youths is common in most American institutions. In college and university systems such affairs are common between individuals with age differentials of thirty or forty years. The students are usually older teenagers.
But in recent years the high school student has been gaining the sophistication formerly associated with colleges and universities. And it is no wonder that the result is increasing sexual incidence between teachers and students.
Another factor is the system of higher education itself. Most teachers are of graduates of liberal arts institutions-schools where morality and behavior are blown hither and yon by the mildest of breezes. Teachers, themselves, quickly lose their early idealism and revert to forms of liberalism that satisfy their own sexual desires.
It is a problem usually not faced by society. The reason it is not confronted is that the very nature of it precludes conversation. Administrations, faculties and even the PTA deny the existence of such patterns of behavior because it is "unspeakable".
It was gratifying to note this year that at least one national television network show approached the problem. The fact that it was the situation-the problem, per se, was murder- does not lessen the importance of talking about "unspeakable" issues. If they can talk about it on television, then maybe it can be discussed in boardrooms and meeting halls.
This book does not solve the problems of morality and behavior in our society today. It simply reflects an aspect of human life in America.
Teachers do enter into sexual liaisons with their students.
Many teachers, like other humans, indulge in what might be considered undesirable sex practices with their peers as well as with their students.
THE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER expects to entertain with its version of modern day morality. It is up to the reader to judge.
Perhaps this book will help him to discuss a very real problem in American society. We sincerely hope so.
-The Publisher