When a law was passed that any town having fifty or more families had to have a public school, schoolmasters were hired.  A person didn't have to have a lot of education to become a teacher.  A teacher was respected by all and thought to be the smartest person.  Sometimes the teachers were as young as their students.  Teachers had complete control over what the children were taught at school.  They were often very strict.  Each family had to pay to build the school and pay  the teacher.  How much each family paid was determined by how many children they had.  But in those days they paid with work, food or supplies.  Some built the school and  some boarded the teacher at their home. Others supplied clothing and supplies.  The teacher was sometimes paid with corn or other food.