Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1869-08-27
For the Cedar Falls Gazette.
The Country Schools.

have time to see all of these schools
Ibid not visit the large graded schools
during the last term. Since the win
ter schools closed, have made over
one hundred visits; and with a few
exceptions, where schools were not
in session, I have seen every school
i'm the county, made note of the name
and standing of each teacher, the
number of terms each has taught,
the number of scholars enrolled, and
general condition of each school. In
this tour of inspection, l have had
three or four specific objects in view.
First and foremost, to secure, where
it was in any degree wanting, cheer
full and prompt obedience to the au-
thority of the teacher; we'll know
ing as do, that without this, our
schools would utterly fail of accom-
plishing all their establishment con-
templated. Another object has been
to urge upon teachers the Importance
of thorough and systematic course
of elemental instruction, i'm the vari-
Gus branches of study. The value of
this, every successful teacher well
understands. A third has been,
earnestly to recommend some kind
of oral instruction, especially to the
younger pupils. such as teachers
could draw from their own resources.
AS an illustl alton of the benefits of
this kind of instruction / will cite
one instance among many which
might give: The teacher i'm district
six, Fox township, brought forward
a class of small children which she
called her Excelsior Glass;" and the
promptness, accuracy and exten t
with which they answered various
questions in arithmetic, geography
and history, showed very plainly
what teachers can accomplish, and
how much valuable information may
be communicated even to small chill
dren, outside of the ordinary book
lesson. Besides all this, oral instruc-
ton when properly introduced. al
ways gives life, animation and vital
ity to school exercises, and banishes
that dull monotony so damaging in
the school-room. The other object
has been to introduce as far as posi-
BILE uniformity in the mode of giving
instruction, so far as it could be done,
without Infringing upon the individ-
uality of the teacher. A careful con-
sideration, and presentation of these
topics whenever necessity required
it; together with the ordinary dsties
of supervision have furnished abund-
ant opportunities for labor, with what
results, the future must in part dis
close.
AS to the general condition of these
schools, I am happy to be able to re-
port progress in the right direction.
In so large number of schools rs
there are in Black Hawk county, il
cannot be reasonably expected that
perfection is yet attained i'm this de-
partment, more than in any other
branch Of business. But experience
which IL said to be the best school
master, is constantly adding to the
ability and efficiency with which our
schools arc conducted. Teachers are
coming to understand more fully |
then heretofore, that success in the |
school-room is the only true, best and
sure guarantee to future employment
rs teachers. This fact has O strong
tendency to produce "live teachers"
If the responsibility of the position
will not furnish motive power sufli-
cient to push teachers to the utmost
limit of effort, to be successful, they
should seek employment elsewhere
than i'm the school.room. Although
a good knowledge of the various
branches taught In our schools is es-
sential to success as q teacher, yet
that alone is only small part of
what constitutes good teacher. One
of the old authors has said: "With
the talents of an angel man may be
a fool" Ispeak comparatively. The
simple idea is this, persons should
understand the business they follow;
whether they .peddle pills." write
briefs, work in the shop or Oh the
farm, and last though not least, teach
school. The manner in which teach
ers handle their schools is q pretty
good indication of their ability as
teachers. When the tiEkle of tiny
bell, or some similar signal. always
brings order out of chaos, am sure
that that teachers word is law and
must be obeyed. If teachers are
punctilious in regard to the deport-
ment of their pupils, / expect they
will be nice and discriminating i'm
hearing their Rotations. Although
we have q considerable number of
young teachers who are teaching
their first term, yet as class, am
satisfied that the country schools and
teachers of Black Hawk county,
with few exceptions,) will COM
pare favorably with those of other
counties not older than ours. AS to
our graded city schools and their
teachers, / should question that mans
sanity whoshould try to make him
self believe they are any thing but
first class. If wisdom shall dictate
In the future and persistent efforts
shall continue to be made by all In
terested i'm our schools, to elevate,
purify and render efficacious our
Whole school system, our schools
will become an honor to our country,
the State and the world.
$. GOoKINS,
County Superintendent.
Waterloo, Aug. "a, 1860.
A couple We're married by wo-