The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1864-09-01
Educational Department,
Prepared expressly, by professional teacher
for The AHeghGnian.I

during the two months next succeeding,
the schools of Cambria county will open
Tor the winter session, we deem this ct
opportunity to say few words to all con-
nected with school affairs, in regard 10
some Of the causes that work injury 10
our educational system, and certain other
things requisite for the success of that
system. 1t is common in many districts
to change teachers each year, and often
without pretending to assign any reason
therefor. The practice should be, to re-
tain the same teachers as long as possible.
And We would say to the Directors Of
every district in the county, not to change
teachers unless such course is impera-
lively Necessary. But what makes such
course necessary? There are only three
things which can justify such action
These are, first, lack of qualification; next,
lncompetency to govern school; and
lastly, a want Of sufficient moral character.
But says one, "Our teacher is only mid
ding teacher; what vail we do with him P"
Well, if you are quite sure you can get a
better, theI make change; but bear In
mind that a moderately pretty bird 10
hand is much better than very pretty
one in the bush. 1t takes a goo1ly part
of a common session for teacher and schol-
ars to become conversant with one another,
and for the scholars to acquire confidence
in the teacher. Every new teacher must
grope in the dark until he finds the quail
ifcatiops of the different scholars, and
thus time is lost to very great extent.
We sometimes incline to the opinion
that too little regard is paid to the certif-
icate held by applicants. Schools are
sometimes granted with little or no regard.
to the different grades of certificates. Is
this practice a right one? Is it not In
violation, or at least in disregard, of the
lay? Is not the certificate the criterion
adopted by law? Is not the Superinten--
dent more fit to judge of capability in ev--
cry respect than those who are not adopts
in the business2 And is it not very unjust
to the teacher who has qualified himself
that he might be in every way fit to dis
charge teachers duties to select another.
over his head though of poorer qualifea,
tions?
Next, as to textbooks. No more than!
you can expect a man to work without
tools or with bad ones, can you look fer q
teacher to succeed unless you supply him
with proper books of instruction By
this, we mean that you should adopt and
adhere to uniform series of books in each
branch taught. By having multiplicity
of books on the same branch, the teachel,
is prevented from properly arranging hiss
school into classes, often being compelled
to have two classes instead of one, and
hence is forced to occupy double time in
hearing the recitation.
Have you plenty of black board room1
If not, then black the walls, the door, or
any place almost, in preference to stin-
giness of room in this respect. We have
not time Eor space to argue in relation to
this matter, but We ask you to take the
word of an experienced teacher and be
sure to have plenty of blackboard room
We hesitate not to say that teacher who
is contented with little or no black board
room understands his business but poorly.
Are you expecting to employ female
teacher? If SO, listen a moment. We
Americans boast of our gallantry, and
talk much Of the high regard we uay to
woman. This boastiug and talk have not
an inconsiderable portion of truth for
basis. But had we not better be Just be-
fore we shall be gallant? Is it just to
pay woman one-iourth or one-third less
wages than man merely because she as
woman? Why should Board of Di.
rectors reduce the remuneration as soon
as they determine that ga woman is to
teach 2" Is it crime to be womang
The only tendency Of such a course is to
discourage female teachers from having
any worthy ambition in their profession