The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-09-20

in arithmetic up to point where, in my opinion,
the teachers might safely be entrusted with the
conduct Of their pupils during the succeeding
quarter In hike manner, ! have treated other
branches of study wherever similar necessity
has arisen. A proper classification of pupils has
been insisted upon. and simple rules laid down
for the guidance of the teacher in making such
classification. Weekly reviews Of lessons have
been ordered throughout the schools Of Oahu and
Kauai. aud the system will be extended to the
remaining Islands.
Graded commissions should be issued TO the
teachers annually. The wages should be con-
nected to the grade and increased in proportion
to the height of the grade attained. The present
system obtaining throughout most of the dis
tricts. of one uniform pay for all teachers qusli-
fed or incapable, has direct tendency to dis
courage healthy effort the common-schOol teach
er has no incentive to extra exertion. 1t is true
that he is paid full equivalent in the majority
of cases, for the service rendered; bnt there
being but one common level for the good and
the Indifferent, there is not developed any ambi
ton on the part of any to excel.
By the issuing of graded commissions annually
to the teachers and proportiouing the pay to the
grade. powerful incentive would be placed
before the teacher to excel in his calling. Should
he reach the highest grade there would still re-
main the same incentive to exertion, lest through
Incidence on his part, he might retrograde from
his position of priority. Before concluding, Cen
tiemen, permit me to call your attention to the
imperative necessity now existing for
! NORMAL SCHOOL
in our midst In our common schools is now
gathered the future talent and hope of the nation.
In proportion to the education which it receives,
will be the future progress OF this nation in civil
cation and enlightenment In proportion to the
capability of our common school teachers, so will
be the advance in great measure, of education in
the land. The whole statement Of the case is this:
The teachers Of our common schools must be spe
officially educated for then lcoJl 1t will not do to
pick them up at haphazard from among the multi
tude The Office of school teacher must be eleva- |
ted. At present it is looked upon rs a Ce1niey.
ressort'-a forlorn hope, only to be tried after
all other means of support fail The multitude
must be made to see that good degree fqualif-
cation is essential to the obtaining of teachers
commission; and that application, diligence and
good behavior alone will insure permanency of |
employment The teachers conventions now in
stituted will lend strong aid to the consummation
of this desirable end. But nothing can take the
place Of an Institution where persons are specially
trained up to become educators. There is
worldwide difference between the mere teacher
and the trained educator. OF the former we have
an abundance, of the latter there is a great
If we would attain to stand in the
van of civilization and progress, IRE must educate
our common school teachers for their ,oork.
Respectfully submitttd,
II. r. HITCHCOCK,
Inspector General Of Schools.
DEPT OF EDuC ALTON Aur lst 1871