Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1874-07-24

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5s oAanAn Ceunty.
GRNrLHMHN:-During the time of
visitation of the schools, occasion was
taken to hold public meetings, in the
evenings, in various parts Of the coun-
ty, with the view Of creating an in
terest in school work. Over dozen
of addresses were delivered, and an
opportunity was afforded for the in
terchange of opinions with the most
gratifying results. Among the top
les discussed was that of the exami-
nation of teachers; and a general de-
sire was expressed that the County
Superintendent should hereafter hold
examinations in different sections of
the county. In accordance with this
request, examinations were held du-
ring the latter part of March and in
the beginning Of April, in Jefferson
Twp, Como Center, Fremont Center,
Buffalo Grove, Hazleton Center, and
Jesup. More than so applicants
were examined at these examinations.
A number Of the examinations were
well attended by Directors and citi-
zens who manifested > proper inter.
est in the proceedings.
TEACHERS.
1t is gratifying to be able to state
that Buchanan county has number
of truly well qualified and devoted
teachers, though this class is in the
minority. Others there are who are
both young in years and experience
yet who give unmistakable evidence
Of possessing the spirit Of the true
teacher. Two young men who
taught for the first time failed to sus-
tain themselves, one in Buffalo town.
ship, the other in Fairbank, and
their schools were closed before the
term was out.
A young lady who had charge Of a
school in Brandon, was obliged to
close her school before the proper
time, partly on account Of her inabil-
ity to govern the school properly and
perhaps more in consequence of not
receiving the requisite moral support
from the director and the communi-
ty. When a school officer informs
the teacher in the presence of the pu-
pills, that no punishment will be al
lowed in the school, such an injudi-
cious course cannot fail to destroy
the discipline of the school and use
fulness of the teacher. There were
others whose schools accomplished
but little, yet the fault may not have
been wholly their own. One certifi-
cate was revoked and the school clos
ed in consequence of the teacher re-
fasing to admit a colored boy into
the school as pupil. This occurred
in Washington township.
At the present time the question of
greatest Importance in an education
al point of view for the people Of 10
wa to consider is, what shall be done
to afford young men and women an
opportunity to obtain a professional
fitness to teach. The Legislature of
Iowa, during the last session, had the
matter under consideration, and made
provision, which, if it receives the
necessary pecuniary support from
each county in the State, and is judi
ciously carried into effect by the
County Supcrintendents, will be of
great benefit to those teachers, who
shall avail themselves of its advan-
tages. The law reads as follows:
SECTION /. Be IT ENACTED BY THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF
Iowa, That Section 1863, Code, is hereby
amended to read as follows: The County
Superintendent shall hold annually nor
NAL institute for the instruction of teach
ers, and those who may desire to teach,
and with the concurrence of the Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction, procure
such assistance as may be necessary to
conduct the same ut such a time rs the
schools are generally closed. To defray
the expenses of said institute, he shall re-
quire the payment of a fee of one dollar
for every certificate issued; also the pay
mcnt of one dollar registration fee for
each person attending the normal institute.
He shall, monthly, and at the close of
each institute, transmit to the county
treasurer all moneys SO received, includ-
ing the State appropriation for institutes,
to be designated the institute fund.-" to-
gether with q report of the name of each
person SO contributing, and the amount.
The Board of Supervisors may appropri-
ate such additional sum as may by them
be deemed necessary for the further sup
port of such institute. All disbursements
of the institute fund shall be upon the or
der of the County Superintendent; and no
order shall be drawn except for bills pre-
sented by the County Superintendent, and
approved by him, for services rendered or
expenses incurred in connection with the
normal institute.
By this provision Of the law, the
Board of Supervisors in each county
are to say how much the county is to
nay towards defraying the expenses
of the Normal Institute. From the
State Superintendent's report we
learn that in some counties of the
State, Normal Institutes were held
voluntarily last year, and we also as
certained that some of these count
les appropriated for this laudable pur-
pose from $3.50 to $500 each, which
with what the teachers gave and the
state appropriation, raised an amount
varying from $500 to 500. This
amount was sufficient to secure the
best talent for the work.
Inasmuch as this is the first year
under the law to hold a Normal Insti-
tute in our county, and as the fees
from teachers certificates will neces-
sarily be limited, we hope this matter
will receive the favorable considera-
ton Of your body. and that it will be
your privilege as well as pleasure to
allow such an amout as will enable
us to hold q successful Normal
Institute for at least six weeks.
1t shall be our purpose
to confine ourselves as far as prac-
ticable within the limits of our own
county for assistance, and to keep
the expenses of the Normal Institute
within reasonable bounds. In addi-
ton to the expense of paying in
structors, the purchase of the neces-
sary books, dictionary, charts, maps,
globes, &C., for the use of the Insti-
tutn will amouuf RI onnSi1nrahlo