The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-03-12
fni Csficc tc E.ers.

We print herewith a communication
bearing upon the subject of the Common
Schools, in which the writer takes occa-
sion to animadvert somewhat severely
upon a couple Of errors which appear to
pcrvade the official conduct of Directors
In certain districts in this county. Teach
crs and others interested in the cause OF
Education are commended to the perusal
thereof -
To the Editor Of The -4Neghdnian:
Permit me, through your columns, to refer
10 matter which has heretofore passed un-
noticed by both County Superintendent and
Directors, to the great injury of the best IN
terests of onr youth, and 10 the detriment OF
the cause of Education. / refer to the almost
insufferable injustice done Teachers in many
districts in this county. During all our Ma
tional difficulties, every good citizen must
feel proud to acknowledge that the cause Of
Education has suffered but little; neyerthe-
l,ss, the profession contributed its full share,
and in many localities more than its quota. OF
patriots to put down the Rebellion. Thanks
TO their previous efforts, however, others were
found ready and competent to take their pla-
ces, and discharge TIE duties with equal
success. While we feel grateful for this
blessing, the other hand it is source of
regret that the members of the profcssoa
who have remained steadfast at their duties,
and are subject to all the iuconveniences in
cident to civil war, have been obliged to
labor on without an increase of salary. in
many districts, indeed, reduction of four
dollars per month has been made on former
salary Of twenty dollars ! The Teacher has
the same fluctuations of market to contend
with that others have. While the farmer
may exult over the rise in price of produce
and stock, and the merchant is free to ada
another 100 per cent TO the old sock on hand,
the Teacher is required to look quietly on
ard continue working at the old rate. This
speaks but little for the spirit of nnagnanimity
and Justice that should characterize the actions
of those having the power to regulate the SAL
aries of Teachers. and at whose hands this ap-
parent just demand should receive more than
passing consideration
Almost every other class of people, from
the coal-digger to tie learned professions,
regulate their prices to suit the times. The
Teacher on the contrary, who is much a
consumer any of them, must rest satisfied
with autiquateh tired salaries, and in some
instances be subject TO 4 reduction even Oh
that!
Another subject of complaint and of inju-
~ TO the cause of Education is the employ
rate certificates in preference to others hold
ing professional and first class certificates
These Teachers SO employed are generally
persons pursuing other avocations during the
remaining eight months of the year, and never
looking into a book in the meantime. 9th
fession, and command professional certificates.
are brought into competition with this infe
rior grade of Teachers, and often the latter
succeed in securing schools in preference to
the former, and where both succeed, it will
be ut the same salary. This fault rests with
ignorant Directors. who would rather listen
10 the voice of influence than reward merit,
and their neighbor's children should suffer
thereby. In the adjoining county of Blair.
twenty-five dollars per month is the lowest
salary offered Teacher. Their tax is fixed
at fonr mills to the dollar. In our county as
low as sixteen dollars is paid, and the tax IN
some districts IS fifteen mills to the dollar.
This is subject which should not only
interest the Teacher but attract the attention
of every citizen. | hope ii will receive some
at the convention of Directors
and Teachers i'll May next 1t is not very
fatiguing journey for n good Teacher to go
into adjoining county. if he can there Sc
cure Il better reward for his labor and merit,
leaving the youth of his district TO sustain Il
loss which could have easily been iemed.ed
by the recognition of his services in the right
srdy.
Yours &c. CITIZEN.