Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1867-08-29


ness; taught four months Normal
School, and was engaged in holding
examinations, visiting schools or teach
ing three hundred days. | could have
done no more. All the public exam
nations were attended, except two,
by directors and citizens who were
much interested in the exercise.
ViSitation.-The number of schools
visited and the average time spent in
each are given above. In the per-
tormance Of THE duty / seek, 1st, The
acquaintance and good will OF the
pupils. ID If they are pursuing the
proper studies. g. The system of in
struction adopted by the teacher, his
ability to classify and govern the
school. 4th. Hear several classes re-
cite, and at the same time, if necessary
suggest changes and give such other
directions, as think will promote
the interest of the school. 5th. No
tice the department, order and attend.
ance of the children, &c, invariably
close with a short address to the
scholars, urging the importance and
necessity of regular attendance, indus
try and perseverance,. | have every
reason to believe that public senti-
ment in reference to the Common
School system is much more favora-
BILE than it was one year ago. In u
few districts, however, the valuo OF
Common Schools is much underrated.
! was generally accompanied by one
or two directors and citizens. The
citizens and directors are heartily
cooperating. ] was everywhere met
by warm and true hearted friends,
who gave me a cordial welcome and
many words of cheer. To the direct
ors, teachers, citizens and scholars of
the county, for their generous bospi-
tality, am under many obligations
Having devoted much of my time to
the holding of Normal Schools, and
thus qualifying teachers for their
respective duties, of necessity could
not visit schools as often as | could
have done otherwise. But now, hav-
ing a corps of good teachers, ] shall
be able after the close of this term, to
devote more time to visiting. One
hundred and twenty schools opened
daily by reading a portion Of scrip
ture No County Institute was held,
the County Normal School having
removed the necessity for one.
Work done by other Agencies.
No aids other than the local Nor
NAL School in the county, except the
Clearfeld Academy, under the charge
of Rev. p. Il. Harrison. The Princi-
pal, who is very earnest and jealous
in promoting the advancement of
education, has done a good and noble
work, and greatly assisted me by
qualifying teachers for their RESPONSE
bic duties. Clergymen, generally, do
not appear to take that interest in
public schools, ! think, that their high
calling demands-many Of them stand
aloof, as if they had nothing to do
with the education Of the boys and
girls, who in tho future must uphold
the church for which they labor 1t
is due to the publishers Of the county
papers that / should call attention TO
the cordial support they have ever
given to all measures calculated TO
advance educational matters For
this, they deserve the thanks Of every
friend of education.
Distractions In the way of Improvement.
1st. Not sufficient interest is mani
tested in the schools by teachers,
directors and patrons. I'd. The want
of older and more experienced teach
ers-longer school terms and higher
wages. 3D.. Irregularity Of attend
ance is one Of the most alarming evils
of our schools, and all judicious meas
ures TO remedy it should be tried.
The delinquents not only stand in the
way of their own advancement, but
retard the progress Of others as well as
discourage the teacher. 4th. Teach
ers' wages should be graded according
to their qualifications and SUCCESS in
teaching. Paying the same salaries
TO all the teachers, as has been toomuch
the custom, is nothing more nor less
than paying a premium for '1aziness'
and "recklessness
Measures Calculated to Promote Improves
ment.
1t is our opinion that il the mini
mum term of school allowed by law
were sir months instead OF four,
and the State appropriation increased
proportionatcly or the abolition Of
all the independent districts and o
common or general school fund raised
by q uniform assessment of tax
throughout the State-the number OF
directors reduced to three-make them
sworn ofiices-pay them for their ser
vices in a few years there would be
such decided improvement in the
condition of our schools as to create
an entire change in public opinion.
Conclusion.
Before concluding this, my first an
nual report, ! would add, that the
year Just passed has been one Of edu-
cational revival in this county. Our
teachers are growing more jealous
and enthusiastic aud laboring with
commendable zeal and fidelity in the
cause of common schools. Directors
are encouraging and holding out great
er Inducements TO the faithful and
successful teachers The future is full
of hope and promise. Lot us bear in
mind, however, that we have but
begun a great work. Much has been
accomplished but yet much more re
mains to be done. To you, then
directors, teachers, citizens and friends
of education ] appeal for aid. Let US