The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1856-01-10

ucation from entering the profession Of teach.
ing, and sometimes drives them out; while
it creates an unjust and unfortunate prejudice
against the common school system among
those persons where incompetent teachers
have, during the past year, been engaged at
advanced wages, because they now had cer-
iificsies. But such accidental cases are incl
dent to every system, and 20 remedy this, I
have lately endorsed upon the back of my
temporary certificates the grade of the leach
er's proficiency in each branch OF study IN a
tabular form with figures. In every case
where, to keep school open, was COM
PEELED TO give certificate 10 teacher, much
deficient, because 70 better one could be
had, explained to some one or more of the
directors, where the person was 10 be enga.
ged, the extent of his or her qualifications, SO
that no prejudice nigh, subsequently, result
against the school system, nor against the ef-
ficacy and value of certificates.
Teachers Certyit Unfortunately the
old form of our certificates divided all teach.
ers only into two classes, and Of these very
small one SO that il was difficult for even
intelligent directors 10 discriminate. The new
blanks which have received will remedy
this difficulty, at least to some extent; and
they are one of the Improvements by which
time and experience can perfect the common
school system. But, in my judgment, there
might be still another form of certificates
used with good effect. mean one like The
new provisional certificates, except that il
should not be limited 10 one year, so as im-
peratively 10 demand a new examination each
year, but leaving il at the option of the teach
er TO apply for an improved certificate, if he
had studied diligently, or 10 conten, himself
with the old one, if he had made no improve
ment. The backward teache rs would still
receive the certificate limited 10 one year, so
that there might be room for better class a,
the end OF each year; and the denomination
would not take place in those cases where
no good result can be seen likely 10 follow.
School Law.--The new school law OF 1854
is understood, in this county, as an improve
ment, by all who are favorable to the com
mon school system and who have given al
tenlIon TO it's operations. The old sub.dls-
tricts divided responsibility, until the direct
ors often refused 10 act in manner, and the
committees too often chosen by the passion
or private prejudice Of the spot and occasion,
rather than with reference 10 the interest of
public education.
County Superintendent County Su-
perintendency has by many been appreciated
as desirable and necessary part oflhe school
system, and has met with no objection in this
county, except from those who have always
opposed the system Of common schools. II
has been treated with uniform Kindness and
respect, an6 have only heard of objections
against it's necessity from two townships.
where ii is very evident that its operations
are highly necessary. In one Of these Wis.,
tied all the schools without finding black
board, or one scholar TO recile in grammar or
geography; and three schools Of the other
district were in the same condition, with the
addition that there was not in any one of these
latter book with instructions for reading =
One of the teachers was even ignorant of The
use or purpose of the different pausss in read-
ing, and unable TO define period or note of
exclamation. He had been employed with
out certificate, because he taught cheap.
The present board of directors in that district
will hire only such teachers as have cerifi-
Gates.
Services Rendered MOT week has elapsed
and ia some weeks not day without bring
ing calls upon me from directors, teachers or
citizens, for Information and counsel as to
the operations and requirement. of The school
law and school system. In every instance
responded promptly, aod in every instance
the difficulties compIsined ofHere explained
or adjusted, 10 the satisfaction of all parties.
The counsel and labor have given in this
way, alone, would. in professional capaci.
ty, have been charged more than The amour,
of my salary as County Superintendent.
R. w. WEAVER,
County Superintendent.
BLooMspbRG, July IA, 1855.