Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1884-06-18

meet semi-annually. The second meet
ing was held at Butler, May 9Th.
Adams district keeps up local
monthly institutes. These are well at
tended by the patrons and much inter
est is manifested.
Interesting local institutes were
held at Evans City, Harmony, Pros
pect and Sunbury. These were well
attended and an unusual degree OF
popular interest awakened in school
work.
TEACHERS.
The teachers who had charge Of the
schools during the past year, with very
few exceptions, did good work. My
observations have led me to the con-
clusion that our teachers need more
enthusiasm, more skill in the manage
ment of their schools and in the con-
Quoting of recitations, better discipline
and more general information. Dur
ing my Superintendency the teachers
who have been under my supervision
have been largely in full accord with
me in my desire to improve the schools
and have treated me with respect.
The bane Of the profession is change.
But few Of the teachers who were
teaching three years ago are teaching
now; they have left the profession for
more lucrative employment. Some OF
the young and inexperienced teachers
did not give satisfaction and some of
them did better work and gave better
satisfaction than older and more ex-
perienced teachers.
Feeling was envinced by a few re-
jected applicants, and by some of those
whose certificates were not as good as
anticipated, as the result of their ex-
animation. These were confined to a
clsss of self assured persons whose
knowledge of the elementary branches
is quite imperfect sand who possesses
but little general information. How
ever as a class our teachers are i'm
proving each year and although we
have yet a few "drones" in the pro-
fession, feel confident that the teach
ers of the county compare favorably
with those of any county of Western
Pennsylvania.
TEXTBOOKS.
In some of the schools the teacher is
still required to write copies for the
children This is mistake. Teach
ers should insist upon series Of writ
ing books being adopted, and boards of
directors should not hesitate to adopt
uniform series.
A series Of language lessons is need
cd in many districts. During my
visits l spoke of the necessity for
these, and confidently hope that ac-
tion will be taken by the proper au-
thorities ere the opening of another
school term. Want of uniformity in
textbooks is a serious hindrance to
progress in some schools.
oUT-BUILDINGS
1t is fact that many of our school
houses, even in public places, are with
out the necessary out-builSings. 1t is
the duty of the boards to provide these
and the duty of the teacher to see that
they are properly cared for.
TEACHERS WAGES
There ought to be discrimination in
teachers wages. 1t is probable that
some teachers are paid too much, but
it is evident that others are not paid
enough. AS it is the "tyro" is paid
as much as the veteran" the ''rut
driver" as much as the Give" teacher.
In conclusion allow me to return my
thanks to the teachers, directors and
citizens for their hospitalities while in
the discharge of my duties, to the edi-
itors of our local papers for their gen.
erosity and to the Department of Pub
lie instruction for advice and informa-
tion. JAS. I'll. MURTLAND,
County Supt.