Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-11-24
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OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WIN DIN oOAVOA Oh In
Now that tAenew Constitution is in effect.
it would be we'll if public attention would be
directed to our Public School system. this
being Of the most vital importance to the flu
ture well-being Of society. Certain improve
meuts or changes are suggested. among them
the appointment ofa general Superintendent
ofSchools. II this appointment be judiciously
made, We may expect some life TO be infused
into our public schools, and even our present
system might be made practically of far
greater utility than it is. or has been, if it
only had an efficient director. Strangely
enough it is and ever has been = singular fact
that the masses Of the people seem less inter-
ested in the proper education of their children
than in the rearing of their cattle and horses !;
and judging by daily realities they seem to be
less scrupulous about the choice of school
master than about the choice # cobler.
Anybody is good enough for school master !!
Only let him have audacity enough to pass
himself of as one, or solicit the position, and
he is rarely troubled with inquiries as to his
fitness. Old men, or lazy young ones. young
misses, and dilapidated gentlemen comprise
the majority of those who WELD the rod and
pcrrule. In our country as elsewhere We
have seen this and do yet see it, notwithstand-
ing the intention Of the existing law is to
remedy this evil and raise the standard ofexcel-
lencc among teachers. Such is however the
force Of habit and prejudice that our people have
not generally walked up to the Importance Of
having better teachers, and such has been the
leniency of examiners that many incompetent
persons have been supplied with certificates.
True. in these unhappy times. many things
seem disjointed or unhinged, and perhaps but
for the war our schools might have been bet.
ter 1t is we'll however to keep this matter
agitated and let it be understood by all aspi-
rants to the position of teachers in our public
schools that they will no longer be able to
obtain the necessary certificate Of qualification
without undergoing a searching examination
and proving themselves versed at least in the
fundamental or elementary branches Of an
English education. 1t is not only ridiculous
but supremely ptiful to see great gawks Of
hearty young men and others come up to
be examined as teachers who are not only en-
tirely unfit for the high position to which they
presume to aspire, but destitute of the re-
quisite industry and energy or sense Of the
responsibilities Of their vacation to strive to
qualify themselves for it.
tendent. 1t would be bud to appoint some
one disqualified for the position by nature and
education-porsc to be put in pedant, no
matter what his his education may be--and
morst to make it political appointment.
What is wanted is plain, common-sense,
practical man, with some experience as
teacher and love for the work and thorough
conviction CT its importance, who will give it
due attention and patiently elaborate details.
With such man at the head of our Public
Schools we might hope for some practical good
to result from the system, without it even the
best system'might prove failure. And when
we speak Of wanting proper man lat the
head" Of things, We do not mean that he
should be permitted or expected to make
himself conspicuous in his Office, but should
rather so labor behind the scenes as to bring
out the system to the admiration of the public.
1t is not position for personal eclat, but for
patient thought and labor.
This is a subject of vast importance not
only to the present but to future generations
concerning not only our present we'll being
and comfort but our future happiness and
prosperity Is community. State and nation,
and with your permission, Mr.. Editor. I may
write again. Y.
NorE.-Since the above was written We
see it stated that the Governor hns commits
stoned Rev. J.. Van Bokkelin as Supcrin-
tendcnt, and it is only to be hoped that he
does not come under the above mentioned list
Of disabilities ! e., is neither incompetent,
pedant, nor politician. Let us all hope for
the best