Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1869-03-26

ABOUT SCHOOL TEAoHERs.-We publish
in another column the results of two exam
nations of candidates for teachers before
the County Board of Examiners, We are
sorry tO,see so large a percentage of the ap-
plicants rejected. From our own knowl-
edge of the members of the Board, and their
well known interest in the work of educa-
ton, and the prosperity of our county
schools, we are satisfied that there was good
cause for such rejection. Had the appIi-
cants been properly prepared for the re-
sponsible duties deyOIved upon the teach
er, we are sure the Board would have been
glad to have granted certificates to all who
applied. It is true, that sometimes unin-
territorial injustice may be done to an inSli-
vidual, but the failure of so many to pass
their examination indicates, we fear, a low
standard of qualification and want of
a proper appreciation of what are the requi-
sites of teacher, on the part of those who
would assume the responsible duties of in
structOrs of the young.
Perhaps we are all more or less to blame
in this matter, for having so long acquiesced
| in the old notion that anybody could teach
a common school. Public opinion has too
long sanctioned the idea, that a low grade
of knowledge, little preparation or judg-
ment, was sufficient on the part of one
called to teach the rudiments of learning
and form the mental habits of children.
That notion, however, is now exploded,
and we have come to feel that the whole
superstructure of the minds and morals of
/ our youth viii bear the impress of and be
| largely modified by the moral or immoral
character, by what is false or true, right or
wrong in Judgment or plans, skill or want
of skill, knowledge or ignorance, on the
part of thoseswho first have the charge OF
children, and from whom the mind and
| heart receive their earlier impressions.
In order, therefore, that the foundation
may be properly laid, and right direction
given to the mental faculties, we must have
well qualified teachers. Not only those
who are familiar with the branches they
are called upon to teach, but who are also
| apt to tedeh-whO have sound judgment
and who can secure the respect and conn.
denee Of their pupils, who are capable Ol
maintaining order, and administering dis.
etpline, and competent to judge of charac-
ter and to lay the foundations and form
such mental habits as to leave nothing fol
the teacher in the higher department to dc
but to carry on and complete what is al.
ready begun.
, We would, therefore, urge upon all who
t desire to enter upon this work, thorough
j preparation.
f There is scarce any nobler employment
any higher end at which you can aim. thar
+ to become successful teachers.
But enlarged views, a Well cultivated
judgment, ripe experience a thorough an,
well digested knowledge of every subjec
r you attempt to teach, together with a dee
sense Of responsibility and loving interes
. in your work, are all requisite to f1t one 70
this high position.
. It is high time that our common school
? were more worthy of public confidence an
l the responsibility OF making them sue
I rests mainly with the teachers.
e We urge you, therefore. to set your star
Y dard high, and thus help to elevate ou
e schools, and make them healthful nul
$ series of the mind and heart of our chi
dren.