Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1845-10-30
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Important Circular.

the directors of the different School districts
throughout The Commonwealth. The sugges-
lions made by the Superintendent, if attended
to, cannot fail 10 have most beneficial iniu-
ence in promoting the selection of competent
persons teachers. One Of The great draw
backs upon the advancement of the system, has
been the evil complained. of by the Superinlen-
dent. If it were removed, our Public Schools
would not only increase in public favor, but
would be wha, they are intended 10 be, the
"bulwark of our liberties Dem. Union
SEcy's OFFICE, (School Department.
Harrisburg, Oct l le45.
GENTLEMEN Being entrusted with the re-
sponsible duties of Superintendent of Public
Schools, and feeling deep solici,ude for their
advancement in usefulness, deem it my duty
to make few suggestions for your coIsidera-
lion.
have long entertained the opinion, that the
greatest practical delec, in the operation of the
system, is in the employment of incompetent
teachers, in many instances merely on account
of their services being obtained al nominaHy
low rate of compensation. Might not this, in
some degree, be remedied by more rigid ex-
animation of those who apply for certificates of
their competency 10 teach! This examination
belongs TO the Board Of Directors, and is one
of the most important duties they have TO per-
form. The selection of the teachers belongs
Il 1
such districts have been established, and COM
miliees regularly chosen. But the examination
of the teachers, and the regulation of their
compensation, belong 10 the Board of Directors,
and no person can be legally employed as
teacher without having first been examined by
The Board of Directors, and having received
certificate of his or her qualifications and fitness
TO teach, signed by al leas, four members of the
Board. These examinations, there is reason
10 believe, are conducted too carelessly, and
are in many instances more matter of form,
than of reality This ought pot be so. Would
il no, be well for The Board TO meet al stated
periods for the purpose Of examining teachers,
an opportunity of being present! The practice
Of persons making application TO individuals of
the Board, for certificates, and going from one
member to another to procure their signatures,
is liable 10 great abuse, and its legality, TO say
The least of it, may well be doubted. If the
examinations were made in public, and the Di-
reclors were to adopt the practice, generally,
of associatng with them some of The mos, COM
peient persons of the neighborhood, TO take
part in the performance of this duty, it would
add interest and solemnity 10 the occasion, and
would often prevent persons from making ap-
pication, without having previously qualified
themselves as teachers.
One grea. evil resulting from incompetent
persons obtaining certificates is, that they un-
derbid those who are competent, and compel
them 10 retire from teaching, 10 seek other en-
poyment 1t may be said that competent
teachers cannot be had, and that we must take
such as we can get This may be true in some
places. and 10 some extent; but If so, is 1t not
the result, in too many instances, of the want
of encouragement, TO good teachers! The prin-
cpal which governs supply and demand, will
hold good in this. as we'll as in other things
Only create demand for good teachers, a, a
fair ratio of compensation, and you will soon
find enough of them. The difference in value
between well educated and competent teach
er, and one who is not so, will not admit of any
estimate or comparison. 1t would be better to
pay the one literally for his services, than 10
have those of the other Graiuiiouslv. In my
opinion j, would be much better to keep the
schools open for four months under good in
struclors, Than for six months under those of an
inferior grade; and so Of Other portions of ,ime
The greatest possible efforts ought to be
made to elevate the character, and enlarge the
requirements Of The teachers of our public
schools. The business of teaching ought to be
esteemed wha, II really is, not only useful,
but highly honorable profession This ele-
vaon can only be attained, by he just appre-
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