Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1855-09-07
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Fer the Lewisburs Chreniole.
To tha Citizens cf Union County

ty Of Sn, der. In entering upon tic dis
charge Of the responsible duties thereby
entrusted to me, would most cordially
ask the cooperation of the Parents, Directors,
| Teachers, and Press, in the faithful discharge
of those necessary and important duties.
| 10 tie Parents, would say, you are aware
| that many OF our Country schools have been
I in an unhealthy, and declining state. The
! Government saw 1t. and, as 4 duty of those
public seniinels, wao are chosen 10 watch over
the interests of the people, they thou5 5he II ne
cessary, 10 prescribe remedy for this decli-
ming condition of our schools. TO admins
ter this remedy, aSuperintenHen, was arroin-
ted in every county, as well as for the STATE.
One years experience has proved, that, in
those Counties where the Office was properly
administered and the people willingly coop
eraieI with the Superintendent, the system is
good, fJr much coed has already been the re
suit. But ia Other counties, in which the Su
perinicnients unfortunately cherished i strong
er ambition for emolumen. than for improve
ment, or where self interest conilicted with
public duty, the result provel detrimental 10
the intent of the system, and the people were
dissatisfied. Bat this was not the only cause
Of failure: many Parents and Directors, who
were previously jealous in the discharge OF
their duty, now supposed their labor ended,
after the Superintendent, had been appointed,
and hence submitted all TO him; OF, perhaps,
the same incompetent teachers were employ
ed, for want of good ones. In other parts the
compensation offered was too inadequate to Sc
cure the service of competent teachers. In
some parts, fifteen, eighteen or twenty dollars
a month was considered "hi2h-very high
wages for a person whose work was so easy,
and, rather :han "throw more money away"
would employ those who would "keep" school
FOR lher stipulated sum and after thus con-
tinu!ng one year LONGER on the old principle,
the new system" is considered by many
tested matter and .good for nothing" Ihope
these things viii be fully considered, and, be-
fore we manifes, any further hostility towards
the system, let us mutually endeavor to lay
aside all prejudiced feelings and for a few
years give it faithful and honest trial; and
should the new office, after thorough test,
prove 10 be Of non-eflec,, we can then with
more justice petition for repeal of the sys-
ten trt should we after an impartial and
;udicious test, begin TO realize the inten: o..
that act; then let US endeavor 10 forget the
dark hour in which many Of US were induced
10 take up our pens to demonstrate against
1t before its virtues were fully tested.
To the Directors, you have work to DO. The
Office of Superintendent was not designed to
relieve you entirely, bu, to assist you in a
more faithful discharge Of your duties. Make
choice Of good and enterprisins teachers.
Though the grade or quality Of their certif-
cate may not always serve you as true
guide to their qualities, they may give you an
idea of the knowledge the holders possess Of
the particular branches therein specified. But
the art of teaching, and their abilities Of COM
municating that knowledge in comprehen-
sive manner to their pupils, we must test in
the schools over which they preside. would
therefore recommend TO you, the e1pediency
of visiting your schools as often as possible.
Scholars, toe, will learn much better when
Directors, Parents, and others are in the ha-
bi. Of visiting schools 10 encourage them in
their studies. In my visits through the coun-
", should be pleased to have Parents and
Directors present in their respective schools,
10 help to examine and stimulate the scholars
in their labor.
To The Teachers. The care and Development
of immortal minds, in.rusted to you.are grave
responsibilities. They. in great measure,
become what you make them. The first i'm
pressions, are most durable. and contain the
germs Of all virtue. or Of all vice. You stand
as type of the rising generation; their pros
rerity and happiness greatly depend on the
discharge of Jour duties. Therefore Let Truth
and Virtue he the bases upon which you
buid their habits Of future usefulness, and
you will at the same time be warning acains,
ignorance and vice with all their legitimate
offspring. But time and space will not per-
nit me 20 say more al present / expect TO
see many of you az the examinations at
least all who require renewed certificate,
and the new applicants. As my time will be
devoted to the examination Of dileren, schools
as soon as they are open, applicants for late
county schools. who require certificates, may
have ;rouble to frd me, I therefore wish all
applicants TO present themselves at the proper
time and place for examination, which will
be seen in my Notice. would recommend
County Teachers Association, as highly
conducive TO the improvement of teachers,
and the prosperity OF our schools. 1t would
be very eSpedent for teachers to meet in
general convention, before the opening of
their schools. The place should be as near
central as possible. The duration, should be
long enough TO discuss the best methods Of
teaching the different branches required in
their respective schools, the best method of
school government, &C. and finally adopt
more Systematic and uniform method of
teaching. At that Convention, | should cx