The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-11-22
Gun COMMON SCHOOLS.

CUR COMMON SCHOOLS.
Mn Cp,ToR-As the time is close at hand, wheu
choo teachers FOR the ensuing winter to be
gagged, it may not be amiss, perhaps, to indulge IN
some reflections on the commonly pursued in
emploning them. There has of late, at least so we
believe grown up very pernicious practice OF hlr-
ing teachers without due regard being had to those
qualifications absolutely necessary to form good teach
crs; and which unless checked, aoiH prove, if it has
not already proved very disastrous to the efficiency
and aood effect of our common schools. Now it is n
self evident truih, that coed natural talents good
education, and sound morality, are very important
qualifications in the character Of coed instructors land
it follows of course that the attention Of those whose
duty it is to employ them should first be directed to
an inquiry in regard to the existence Of these quaf
cations.
But not So says the example of too many OF our
school committees; the first, and if we not, the
most frequent question usually asked concerning
teacher by large portion of those whose business it
is to hire him is, How much does he ask What is
his price and should the subject of their inquiry be
a man of talent, who demands good round sum for
his services say $3l5 month, the committee very
gravey up their noses, and assure him that his
price is altogether beyond their ideas that their school
is small, the times are hard, and their district have
concluded that 81 0 month would be quite pay e.
nough FOR such school theirs. The result is that
the well qualified man is passed by and some clever,
thick pacd, genius is found who consents to take the
school at the $40; and the district feel extremely hap
py, under the notion that full five dollars a month
have been saved.
Now this is clear and unqualified coveousness;
there is no reason in the world why small school
should not be well educated we'll as large one;
and there is not a school district in Vermont but that
is able to employ competent teacher and pay him
well for his services Let us be somewhat cautious,
while INDUCING in the darling passion Of our yankee
character, The Tore # money, that do not wofuly
delraud our children Of their inesmabe brthright by
ntrusting their education and early training those
who in learning of doubtful morality; for
the sake of saving few paltry dollars, to whole
community.
il is unfortunately the case that many who are in
trusted with the hiring of teachers, have very crude
and indstnct ideas in regard to the qualifications
cessary for successful instructor of school
and if the price only, be satisfactory, of him they
hire, they do not make very deep inquiries in regard
10 his talents natural acquired the idea being very
charitably imbbed that he is least passabIe or he
would not put himself forward us competent for the
business.
Now what is the result of this system' Why,
probably, that one half OF those who keep our winter
schools utterly unfit for the task: do mean
to speak harshy,or Judge unfairly; they are perhaps,
mostly well disposed young men; but the great trou
bic is they look to school keeping merely finan-
cia concern; very convenient method for raising
money year two, in furtherarce oftheir views in
first setting out in the business of life, and take no
particular pains TO qualify themselves for the work,
other than attending, perhaps, for term two
neighboring Academy. Now, Mr. Editor, with due
Difference, We hazard the opiuon, that can so
easily fit himself for the important business teaching
district school. A teacher should not only be pos
sessed of Il thorough English education, but his mind
should be stored with large fund Of general intel
gence, that his lucid illustrations may cast halo Of
light around the studies his pupils pursuing and
inspire in them by his example, love for learning &
longing for wisdom; and although most OF those who
seek prcmaturely TO teach common schools, may
do so from motives in themselves justifable, vet il
behooves them to remember, Ethat they are asking
quite much of district, to accept their services
in the responsible office of teachers OF their child en-
unless fully competent for the task. A.