Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1845-10-25
BLlC CHOO L 9.
Important Circular.

addressed the following excellent circular to the |
Directors of the different School districts through
out the Commonwealth. The suggestions made |
by the Superintendent if attended to, cannot fail
10 have a most beneficial influence in promoting
the selection Of competent persons as teachers.
One of the great drawbacks upon the advance
ment of the system, has been the evil complain
ed of by the Superintendent. If it were reno.
we'd, our Public Schools would not only increase
in public favor, but would be what they are in.
tended TO be, the "bulwark of our liberties."-
Dem. Onion.
sEcrs OFFICE, CSchooi Department. J
Harisburg Oct |, ls45.
GFSrLEMEN being intrusted with the res.
ponsbe duties of Superintendent of Public
Schools, and feeling a deep soictnde for the ad-
| vancemeit in usefulness, | deem il my duty to
make few suggestions tor your consideration.
have long entertained the opinion, that the
greatest practical defect in the operation of the
| system, is in the employment of incompetent
teachers. in many instances merely on account
| of their services being obtained at romin0Hy
/ low rate of compensation. Might no; this, in
some degree be remedied by a more rigid exam.
inaion of those who apply for certificates of their
competency TO teach This examination be.
longs TO the Board Of Directors and is one of the
most important duties they have TO perform.
The selection of the teachers belongs 10 the com.
mittees the suh.dstricts, where such districts
have been established and committees regularly
chosen. Ent the examination of the teachers,
and the regulation oftheir compensation. belong
10 the Board of Directors, and no person can he
legally employed as teacher without having
been first examined by the Board of Directors,
and having received a certificate of his or her
affiliations and fitness TO teach, signed by at
least four members of the Board. These exami-
nations, there is reason to believe, are conduc.
ted too carclessly, and are in MANY instances
more a matter of form, than of reality. This
ought not to be So Would il not be well for the
Board TO meet at stated periods for the purpose Of
examining the teachers, and give all who NAV
take an interest therein opportunity Of being
present The practice of persons making ap.
picaton to individual members of the Board. for
certificates, and going from one member TO ano-
ther TO procure their signatures, is liable to great
abuse and its legality, TO say the least of it, may
we'll be doubted Ifthe examinations were made
in public, and the Directors We're to adopt the
practice, generally. of associating with them
some Of the most competent persons ofthe neigh.
horhood, TO take part in the per formance ofthis
duty, it would add interest and solcmnity TO the
occasion, and would often prevent persons fiom
making applications, without previously quail
fying themselves as teachers
One great evil resulting from incompetent
persons obtaining certificates is, that they under
bid those who are competent, and compel them
10 retire from teaching 10 seek other employ.
meut. 1t may be said that competent teachers
we can get This may be true in some places
and to some extent but if so, is it not the re
suit in too many instances, of the want Of en-
couragement to good teachers The prinoipl,
which governs, supply and demand, will hol,
good in this, as well as in other things. Only
: create demand for good teachers, at a fair IA
' tio of compensation, and you will find e
nough of them. The difference in value betweel
a we'll educated and competent teacher, and ont
who is not will not admit of any estimate o
comparison. 1t would be better to pay the on
literally for his services. than 10 have those O
the other gratutously. In my opinion it won
be much better To keep the schools open for fou
months under good instructors, than for si
= months under those of an inferior grade; and S
t fother portions OF time
The greatest possible efforts ought TO be mad
, 10 elevate the character and enlarge the acquire
y men,s of the teachers ofour public schools. Tn
business of teaching ought 10 be esteemed wha
u II really is, not only useful but highly honor
> able profession. This elevation can only be al
Is taineG, by the just appreciation of talent an
worth by those intrusted with the examinatio
\ and selection ofteacheTs. If YOU refuse to en-
ploya teacher, who is admitted to be quaife
y for the task, merely because he demands a fe
)" dollars per month more for his services than SON
other less qualified, or perhaps not qualified at al
: can never hope for the services Of competel
teachers, nor expect 10 our schools impro,
in usefulness, and grow in favor with the peopl
On the contrary, If proper discrimination
- made in the employment OF teachers, betwe.
those who are known to be fit To perform the
=" duties and those who are Inadequate, we ma
~ hope for a gradual and constant improvement
III" their requirements, and their worth aud servic
will increase in public estimation, in the ratio
- their own advancement in learning and useiu
ness.
ed There is another important duty belonging
he School Directors, which it is apprehendcd is &
ed much neglected 1t is that ofvisitng the school