The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-05-27
Our Conn mon Sch cots.

OHr Common Schools.
ED. TRUE NoRrHERSER 81 agree entirely
with Mr.. Woodman in what he says about the
defects OF the school Reports. In any meas
ure to correct these and secure system OF
uniform and full reports from all the counties
of the State, he will have my hearty support.
| agree with HIM also that teacher, are not con-
scentious enough in their work, and will thank
him to show a class or profession OF which this
is not true. | agree, and have always said,
that woman ought TO receive the same pay az
a man for the same work done; not only IL
teaching but in every other department o.
labor. Whether, In venturlng to express an
opinion contrary 20 those entertained by M.
W.. / have gwen evidence OF "sore spots or
OF veins containing bad blood" agree with
him in leaving to the readers OF the NORTH
ERNER.
IF Mr.. Earle has always known that our
schools and school system are faulty. he must
know where the faults are. Why has he not
enlightened the public upon this subject long
before this and had the remedies applied y
The author OF this stunning question had just
claimed to know that our schools were faulty.
without knowing the location Of the disease.
II ! think the same, l must not only know the
location but be able to apply the remedies
was not for ten years in place where my voice
could be heard and my vote felt when our
school system received thorough overhaulipg
when the length OF the month was fixed.
when free schools were established, when the
Superntendency was created. Mr.. W. was,
and I will thank him to point to one single
measure introduced by him during all that
time calculated to correct any abuses or errors
in our school system. Perhaps he did, would
gladly be convinced. 1t will not do for Mr.. ".
to say " endeavored to discharge my whole
duty TO my constituents and take no response
bility in the matter" He had responsibility
that he could not shirk. He has given Us the
Superintendent law which he helped to make.
He has shown what he clai ms are its evils he
SAYS that it parcels out qualified teachers like
sheep in pens" He quotes me: 10 regard
to certificates, 1t is not true that they are or
have been controlled in any way except by law -
and then says Who, ask, has 80 charged
No such accusation was made IN the discussion.
nor can it be found in the report | honestly
supposed these were such charges: Only a.
many certificates are granted as we have schools
in the county. so that we are obliged to pay the
! price TO sc; teacher at all" Under the
present system ring is formed controlling the
number OF certificates granted. l supposed
that meant that certificates were controlled IN
lawfully. Mr.. ". says not. 1t must be in &C
cordance with the Jaw then. Mr.. ". voted For
that law and took no responsibility IN the
matter In my own schools it has been my
/ constant effort TO correct errors. | know that
Mr.. W. says: d" / am a friend to education. to
/ free schools, etc. they can have no warmer
/ friend than / claim to be-. also know that
! have taught four years continually within
five minutes walk Of Mr.. VS. home without
ever seeing his face in ,ay school room. That
four years work has not all been drawing pay.
There have been many times when an hours
visit from Mr.. W., pleasant talk TO the school,
word OF advice, sympathy. encourag ement'
would have lightened cares and cheered both
have heard "twenty-six dollars a month when
/ taught the Paw Paw school," g word method
humbug," - superficial, machine teaching
Not only has he condemned US at home but be
has talked unfavorably OF us when abroad, as
L can abundantly satisfy him If his memory Is
not sufficient. Mr.. W. is plain farmer. he
says farmers feel deep interest in common
schools. How many times has he visited his
own school {: taught 1t one term when he had
son in attendance. l did not see him. What
teacher mas? Mr.. ". Is not alone IL this mat
ter. Not one parent in twenty ever visits his
school, Let every one on reading this ask him.
self, How often do | visit my school !! =
Mrs. Hungerford was right when she said
- None Of them visit the schools nor take any
interest In them" 1t is not enough to build
houses and hire teachers. That only makes
schools possible. What would be thought OF
the merchant who built large store. filed 1t
with goods. sent IN clerks but never went into
it himself or looked after its trade' The chief
reason why people do not get better return
for their money Is because they withhold from
, the schools just what they need to become what
they ought to be-active personal interest.
Finally IN answer to this question: have on
all proper occasions and by all proper mean:
endeavored to point out faults and as far as
was able to suggest remedies Two teacher:
, conventions have been held n sight OF Mr.
VS. house, one of them state institute last
r ing week in which two things were especially
considered.-the county slperintendency and
the word method. The programme was pub
r lished and the public cordially invited. l dc
} not remember seeing Mr.. W. or hearing hi:
! voice on these matters. As rule parent:
! have shown perfect indifference in these gath
erings. DO they expect teachers are going &c
hunt them out IN their homes and button-holC
FSthem there Yet Mr.. W. wants to know why
: we don't enlighten the public IN regard to fault:
! in our schools. 4 state Institute is promised
! us this fall. Win MI ". be present and give
! Us the aid Of bis advice. or will be continue
/ TO stay away as be has done have taken &c
? much space upon this subject because this utter