Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1857-01-23

~ l(icslly. but quite as
scause they arc ministers,
yctors. and as is often the
places, they are justices Of
Amy teacher who can "spell
: |setts," and thinks Deniel
the greatest Of modern men,
through an examination, and
t all armed and equipped with a
mmencing thus This CERT
&c.
applicant happens to have an
tance among the committee, no
Ter how poor an examination they
S.nay pass. certificate is given them be
cause they were afraid somebody's feel
ing' would be hurt if they did Mt
How would it do to write certificate
thus" This certifes that Mr.. or Miss
is not qualified in our honest opinions to
teach school, but rather thin to ininre
his or her feelings. we think he or she
had better be hired ito keep school in
District No. -, as it is better that the
district should expend a large amoun.
of money for no actual benefit, and
children should be exposed t. all the
disadvantages Of an inferior and incnm
pe'ent teacher. than aay on, should have
t.e'r Feelings injured ~ i ins told that
thy w"r' entering pa r'sp5n9i bic
!nty. for Wy 1. ',y vatc at lit d.
signed. &c. &.
Ii the COMMITTEES ccrtif ID to thci hon
est opinions vgry many Of tn certificates
given would be w,ittrn like the above
All how many committees arc aware of
the fearful responsibility which rests up-
on them. when they assume the charge
and care Of the "hopc of our country
future greatness.
Again: how many parents are there
Who know anything in reality about their
children's mental progress: They will
ingly pay taxes to support schools but
tell them they ought to look in upon
and take practical interest in he
school, "oh they haven't tim, -" But we
have a good teacher say they my chill
drcn like him for what reason the chill
dren like him they have never inquired.
Who wonders, then, at the lack state of
our town schools. who wonder that in
many Of our large districts they presen,
II scc-c Of "Bedam let loose" and that
many, notwithstanding all that is said
and written about our schools being the
safeguards of liberty" are rcady to pro
nounce schools, committees, agents, and
teacher. a consumma,c humbug.
In all that has been said. the few ex-
gill willingly be granted. /
would pay my trlb.te ofrospcct to those
teachers who love their vocation. feel it's
responsibilities, and endcavor BY strict
cs!tiration to meet them. They feel the
demoralizing tendency Of those clements
that com 5inc to make our public schools
what they are. And the individuals.
who have so earnestly endeayored to i'm
prove this state of things. are deserving
of great praise but their work must be
all up hill. as long as public sentiue
encourages these things. Public scnti-
ment. then, must be set Alright in this
matter, it must demand in the first place
agents who are caPacitated for their
duty. 2d-School Committees who dare
to tell the truth. 3d--Tcachars who
sposscss the requisite qualifications for
their vocation--l sounl moral principle
and a consequent love of morality and
adherence Of brute force, and tyranny,
a thorough and clear understanding of
the branches they arc to teach, all har-
monix a by the indisp ensable in ,rcdieht
of ICON non s,nse." When public sen
IN, .' u4ais snch 'rachcrs, then they
W e;l NY :. ~ "a ,nsclvcs to
t...a. r q... 70 t., ubt a lo'S - any
n can a'',t II icAt,. 81 long viii
n.r cuum.n sen ,ol marx be .tott.
i bp. A. rf,r A