The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-12-21

try, in this the last quarter Of the
nineteenth century.
As we review our surroundings to
ascertain these demands, we are i'm
pressed with the fact, that we are
living in the most eventful period of
the worlds history.
Our school system has reached,
through proper legislation. such per-
fiction that it now seemingly lies in
the power of every youth in the land,
to secure liberal education.
AS our mind is cheered through
the influence Of this bright picture,
we would fain believe that the de
mands of eur time are few and trivial,
and that he were only All alarmlst,
who would call attention to them,
but such is not tine case
An eastern paper we'll says: "Not
every school graduate is prepared to
step at once into the school room
and assume the responsible task Of
teaching the future citizen of the re.
public"
1t is lamentable fact, however,
that many young persons, every year
take up the teachers vocation, in
this premature and unprepared con-
dition.
Their case is very much the same
as that of young man who should
decide to become a physician, but
who, instead of attending lectures,
and studying the science of medi-
cine, should commence practice AT
once, trusting to experience and gen.
eial information for the special
knowledge, which alone can give pro-
fessional skill.
1t may be true that many of these
wonM be teachers possess the neces-
sary shook larnin'," which may Sc.
cure to them a certificate, while at
the same time they are ignorant of
every underlying principle upon
which the true success Of the teacher
depends.
Again our system of examinations,
as presented by law, does not at all
times accomplish the desired end.
Many persons aspire to "keep
school" who are theoretically neon
petent, owing 10 lack of age, hence
lack of Judgment; and yet if they
possess the requisite knowledge Of
the SACRED mir c branches" we as
examiners are supposed to be com
PEELED TO issue license, and if the
certificate be granted, cheap labor is
thrown upon the market, and because
of its cheapness it is quickly gobbled
up by our would-be economical school
boards, who form another hindrance,
to the progress of our schools.
The examination Of the teacher is
for the purpose of ascertaining his
fitness for teaching, which involves
two factors, viz: natural apfnTsS and
and acquired ability.
Natural aptness for teaching is in
dicated by two qualities, the love of
knowledge and the primary ability.
The love of knowledge cannot
exist in the true teacher, without the
desire on his part to impart that
knowledge to his pupils.
Governing ability does not neces.
sarily consist in muscular power
far more successful is the teacher who
rules by appealing to the dignity of
his pupils.
The examinerrwith difficulty deter
mines in these respects, the appli-
cants ability this can be determined
only, by observing his actual work in
the school room.
To test the teachers acquired
ability, is comparatively easy.
An applicant is generally consid-
cred incompetent, when he surprises
the examiner by using the astounding
assertion that "The change of day
and night is causedsby the revolution
of the earth's axis upon the EQUATOR"
and not being satisfied with this he
continues to astonish the examiner
by telling him that "'The equator is
straight line passing through the
centre of the earth"