Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-02-09
Meeting OF Maine Teachers Association.

Meeting OF Maine Teachers Association
The Committee Of Instruction of the Main,
Teachers Association, held meeting last even
ing, in Representatives Hall. There was
goody attendance OF those interested in educa
tional matters.
Supt Corthell, chairman of the committee
called the NEE ilg to order, and q. I. Fletcher
Secretary, read the report of the last two meet
ings.
DIR: j. II. Hanson Of Waterville, was called t,
the chair, and announced the subject for discus
sion, for the evening, The Examination o
Tea hers"
Mr.. Corthell said the subject is one which ha
occupied the attention of society for long time
Thele are many unqualified teachers; no argu
ment is necessary to prove this. There is need
OF better qualification. viii any examination
properly test the Qualification OF teachers II
not, then let all 10 without discrimination
A roper eXamil alton will test the knowledge
OF teachers. They must have clear idea OF these
subjects and if questions are rightly put they vii
test their knowledge and ability to the utmost. The
coming spring 5000 children will enter the schoo
room Tor the INST time; II teachers know the
methods of teaching great good will result
Three tfths Ci the teachers of these children viii
adopt the old and exploded methods Of teaching
lie would Nave Illness IN examinations; would
not examine teachers for primary schools
~ algebra, but III the branches TO teach little
children.
And Of geography and the other books
More imIO' tant than all OF these Is discpl ne
scholars interested IN their studies, busy at work
are sure to he well governed. In examination be
would ask teachers how they proposed to goveru
their schools. Applications we've frequently made
10y school supeiIntt ndents for printed questions
aud answer, 10 be used law does not now prop
rily test the knowledge OF subjects and methods
OF teaching, At the present there is no adequate
standard a. To the qualification of teachers. SUI
peiintcndents do not dare often To REJECT teachers
ON account Of CERTAIN influences, anu the schools
suffer But the county board of examiners
would be above local interests; the qIalitica-
tons of examiners would be higher, Tor they
would be composed of pei sons skilled III teaching.
There are laws which would govern school LAWS
and school management which they would I'M
ders and. lie next considered the objections
the dellcacy vi teachers IN appearing before the
boards, the cost; but the examinations could he
; arranged as 10 take place IN one day, The ad-
vsntages are that Oh lldien would reeve "A better
education for the same time and cost; teachers
nould have a staldad to which they must come
schools would he OF a higher standard; II VIII set
teachers at work at once to prepare themselves
certificate issued by the board will be recon-.
mendation TO teach anyN here.
a. w. BUR- OF llaiiowell, spoke upon the sub
jcCts presented by sup. CUIthel, enarsing upon
many points. Methods Of teaching are constant
ly changing, and teachers and examiners must
keep up with the advance. The proposed exam
il ajions will t-st the fAithiuuess knowledge and
efficiency of teachers aud tier answers to the
questions will show the clearncss OF their minds.
II viii also show then ability TO meet emei gen
cIes. But it cannot test their kindness. cruelty
enthusiasm or personal powet-a essential poinl Is
for good teacher. Shall We pfdse them al
teachers because the proposed plan will not do
this 1t will make teachers moe sure If success
by requiring more thought about their work, and
also relieve them from compel ton with poor teach
ers. Good teachers are frequently troubled now
Il inf
with superiutendcnts or town agent. 1t will en-
noble calling aud dgn f. II toa p Ofes ion, as
other calngs are dignlhed. His personal inter
ests are great because he has tested the county
board system aud knew liz ben, tits. No law l. %
important as tins.
A. II. Kelley Of Belfss'. said that the general
impression is tina, anybody can Tea h school, and
thus poor teachers are often engaged. EXamiua-
tons for teachers are as necessary as ioT any 9th
er profession. Many superintendent object to
the bill because they think themselves competent
to examine. 1hls bill will do away with frequent
examinations, as teachers " i'll eventually secure
life certificates, and will RAISE the standard
of teachers alongside Of the professions.
Favofitism under the present system too often OBJ
taIns and keeps poor Teachers IN schools. Poor
teaching affects the entire lie OF the scholar.
This does not take from the town committees any
of their privileges; ii simply requires tn'n TO
employ good teachers.
Hon. j. Wyman Phillips inquired, if teachers
are examined according to the plan proposed,
shall we not be trouble to get teachers tor the
common schools
Mr.. BUR- replied that teachers examinations
could be q AIDED TO meet the conditions of all
schools. Examiners can fix the rank : to
meet all these objections.
Mr. Ccrthell sand the Superintendent would not
fix the grade too high. Make the demand and
teachers will come up TO it, In three month. the
standard could be made 10 per cent. higher; IN
SIX months 20 per cent. Would fix the standard
according to the grade OF The school. There are
now ;wo and one half applicants on the average,
for every school.
Pref Rounds, gave his experience in teaching
in Ohio, where county boards are in operation.
the standard being very high. The effect was
that teac ers are constantly striving for higher
grade. lie asked for the board for the benefit of
tue Chi dlen Of Name.
+. : Merr. of B.ddeford,. said all teachers IN
the State Interested iu this movement Teach
els should have an examination that would enable
them L. teach IN any part of the 5tate. Showed
the defects of the present system. Certificates
are now granted on the strength Of former, and
pc rhaps worthless certificates. Was earnestly IN
favor Of this bill.
Mr.. harper of Pennington, sal teachers are
are often called upon to be the leaders in all de
srable purposes; bat are they fitted for that
now I There Is progress IN all o her directions,
AMI the ,cience Of teaching should also advance.
Prof c. L Fletcher of Castlne, said we are all
fricuds of the children of our State. and are well
enough acquainted with our schools to know that
some reform is needed. This seems to be Just
what is needed TO raise the standard of our
schools He had laugh; five years IN Augusta
without having certificate. Esamibst ols
prompt teachers TO study aud obtain a higher
rank. We need to take step for better methods
OF teaching, and thiuk this is the right Que. Ii
this system is adopted teachers will find then abil-
iy to teach increased fifty per cent. within one
year. and will thank the legislature for the law.
Mir Kelly of BE- lfast said that the teachers OF
Waldo were unanimous for the county board
There were many prominent educators present
from different parts of the State, and the meetings
will doubtless prove interesting and instructive.
The meeting this forenoon VIII be held IN the
Senate chamber.
Om'nations by the Governor.
The Governor has made the following nomina-
tons: