The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-10-07


Intellectual and Moral EducatIon-stas
Normal Schools.
Combined with great deal of good there
is much that tends to evil in our present sys-
tenn Of common school education. Our present
system is not, under existing laws, sufficiently
protected against the innovations which igno-
rant and immoral minds may introduce. Tho
plan of electing school directors by general
vote may do very well in unsettled districts,
where there may be a want of common interest
or common purpose in the object to be at
tanned; but in community like ours, which
has it's marked and distinctive characteristics,
it would be better to have more stability and
responsibility in board that has to engage
teachers for our youth than can possibly be
secured by an indiscrimnate popular vote.
In following this view the new State C0nsti-
tutonal Convention will have much to do in
reforming present abuses in our system of
common school education. Many who have
the interests of universal education at heart
may be present in that body, and TO them will
be intrusted the duty of instituting the neces-
sary reforms
While touching upon the subject of common
school education we may branch little further,
and venture the assertion that we have in our
State no master mind to work out the
problem of education. IL may be that
political reasons have undue weight, but it is
certain that, from some cause or other
no prominent man seems to be bold
enough to suggest a plan that will
enure to the permanent advantage of the rising
generation in the matter of education. It is
possible that leading men may think that any
intrusion Of the subject into politics may be
unpopular. Suppose it is. If a good and
benefcent object is to be gained it is of but
small concern whether that object be gained
through political maneuvring or any other
source. The American mind IS more Just Than
many suppose, and no one need fear unpopu-
larity by introducing and urging the adoption
OF an educational system equal to the wants OF
the State and country.
A quiet but strong movement has been going
on in this State for the purpose of establishing
normal. schools. II is argued that if Paris has
half dozen Of these schools, besides dozen
colleges, her polytechnic school, her grand
university, her vast public libraries and free
lecture rooms, where such men as Renard,
Michelct, Jaubert, ST. Hilaire and others of the
great in the empire OF France have lectured,
the city of New York should have at least one
school where teachers might be prepared for q
profession the most difficult and most responsible
of all others. A normal school for young ladies
has been commenced in this city, but thus far
its success has been far from satisfactory,
although its merits are Of high order 1t Is
worthy the encouragement Of every citizen who
wishes to elevate the standard Of education in
either sex. We want more of these normal
schools. Teachers should be instructed in
morality ~ well as the other essentials of a
finished education. On the church of ST.
Genevieve is written in golden letters this in
scription :--"A,x brands hon,nses, la patrie
reconnaissance" Who in this State will win for
themselves the honor Of this inscription Who
will lend their endeavors to the work OF estab-
fishing normal schools, 80 that every teacher
shall, when he begins the practice Of his pro-
fession, be able to present the principles Of
morality, science and art in philosophical
and attractive manner!