The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-12-19
Common Schools.


Mr.. EDITOR: Are the qualifications nam
ed in my last with the exception, perhaps,
Of the first, the gifts of nature, or the fruits
ofeducation? Are they inherent in some
persons and denied to others? Can they be
acquired by the thoughtful and industrious
student, aided by the observation and expe-
rience Impractical teachers? How will they
in this respect compare with other attain
ments in which we make progress in pro-
portion to our efforts? How does the farmer
qualify himself for success in his busness7
IN youth he is continually studying the rules
ofhis art, and testing them by experiment.
Every farm is species oflecturers hall, fitted
up with numerous compartments, ample
stock of apparatus for illustrating the great
variety ofagricultural operations. The most
expert and thoroughly qualified laborers are
the professors and without the tedious formal
ity of a constant reference TO books, some
times endured in lecture rooms, the several
processes of labor, of instruction, and of ac-
QUESTION too, all go on tremendously and to-
gether. ... -.......
In the shops, where the mechanic arts are
acquired, similar operations are constantly
exhibited. The artisan has his rules, found
ed in natural philosophy. He has, of neces-
sity, an abundance ofapparatus 1.-THE tools of
his trade in constant use, and his pupils do
not simply look on and content themselves
with making minutes; but they severally han
die the apparatus themselves, become famili-
ar with every article, and when their course
is completed, go forth into the world fully fit
ted for business. In all the ordinary profess
sions and employments in life, whether they
call into action the physical or intellectual
faculties, or both the same process, under va
rious notifications, is equally indispensable
and equally sure. ..HH.H ...U.
Why, then, do we pursue the absurd course
ofleaving the school teacher 10 get his pro-
fessonal education as he may? In no other
business, can a person succeed without prep
aratiOn, study, and practice; but we take the
lad ofsixteen, with some smattering of the
branches taught in common schools, his rea-
son uncultivated and weak; principles unset
tied, passion and feeling, whim and caprice,
mainly furnishing the motive powers, and
unwsely commit to his care and guidance, if
not the formation, ofimmortal minds This
anomalous course is followed from year to
year; tile evil is seen and deplored by ALI yet,
like besotted fatalists, we gaze and wonder,
perhaps fret and chide, and leave the error
uncorrected.
Butt arrive at the conclusion that school
keeping, like every other business, may be
taught, where shall we find the proper iustru-
mentalities for accomplishing this purpose?
In the conclusion that we cannot at present
have Normal school, and no very liberal en-
enlargement for Teachers Institutes, we
must endeavor to find some other way ofdo-
ing, what all must admit can in no other way
he done so well. Let, then, the State Super
inteGdent recommend to the County Super
intendents to have, just before each semi an
nual examination, Teachers Institutes in all
the counties, one or more as will best accom-
MEDIATE the teachers, and made as attractive
and useful as the means athand will furnish
Let the County Superintendent be requr-
ed to attend and conduct these operations in
person, and be authorized to procure the as
sistanee ofotbers, ifpractcable, SO as to make
them pleasant and profitable. Let them con-
sist OF critical reviews of the common school
branches, careful investigation ofthe most
approved modes of teaching in each of those
branches, and let them be illustrated by dai-
" practice. Let each candidate, in turn, take
the place ofinstructor, and submit his quall-
fications to the inspection ofall for friendly
criticism and advice. Let there be daily
discussion in relation to some ofthe qualifica-
lions of teachers, that the subject may be
well understood, and rational and practical
results be secured for future use. One lee
ture at Ieast, should be given each day, on the