The Wilmingtonian., 1886-01-30
.,tricter than NLnryIanh.

| 1t is said that somu ladies and gentlemen,
from our neighboriug State, Marylaud, who
attended the reeeut examinations in this city
held by Superintendent Williams for those
ambitious Of pedagogic honors, said that tho
questions given THEM We're more difficult
than those submitted on similar occasions in
their own State.
This is not unpleasant littl1 bit Of by
talk to hear. Though it is, ol ought t. be,
a well recognized fact that mere scholastic
| requirements are not the sum total Of a
| school teachers requirements, yet it is very
well that certain high grade Of school ac-
quirement be the fist definite demand made
of those holding tho extremely responsible
position of teachers.
From candidates enthusiastically qualified
| will be gradually evolved those naturally en-
| dowe9 as traincrs of the young. The pro-
the mental and moral conditions, that when
| at length a successful teacher is discovered
| it is surprising to note what small share of
mere book learning is needed in the makeup
of such one. The writer remembers an
instance of successful lady teacher who
who held her position for fifteen years, in
certain district, and, throughout the whole
of that heightened term did not hold even a
third grade certificate The admirable sue
cess with which she managed her schoul,
which was not graded, was such as to COM
pei the school directors to reappoint her, and
this was done continuously, despite the war
Mugs of the Superintendent as to the illegal
ity of it, and despite the petty traducings
and jealousies OF her sister teachers of
neighboring districts who were all required
to vigorously exhibit their certificates before
receiving any engagements to teach. In no
school in the County was there better dis
cipline, better attendance, better scholarship
evolved, and above all, more thorough salts
faction given the parents and guardians.
The lady teacher referred to was continu.
ously reelected to her position simply on
account Of her natural ability to successful
ly conduct scho il.
1t happens in the experience of most ST.
periutenaents that some of their very best
teachers are unable TO pass beyond the third
grade of certificate. But that is sufficient
for our common schools, and it is fortunate
" SO, for among them are found some of the
most successful educators. Among them
are found those who can accurately guage
the scholars ability who have the sound
common sense to discountenance crowding
Of studies, as well as quickness to detect
those among their pupils who shlrtk their
attribute Of tact. There is no waste Of time
in their schools. A moderate amount Of
work is done, but it is done thoroughly,
orderly, and with relish BY the scholars.
Sickly children are not seen, for mental over
work is not permitted There is an easy
grade of curriculum for the children from
the primary to Intermediary work. There
is no racing through the arithmetic three
times in one term" The old proverb "fail
and easy goes far in a day. is inst as appl.
cable to the work of school term as to any
other work. The quick teacher often loses
more school time and school funds by inju
dtcious speed than her slow but exact neigh
Dor who is satisfied with shorter but more
thoroughly conned daily task,
Perhaps it is just as well that Supern
teudent Williams is a little more strict THAI
his brother-superinteudent Of Maryland
but at the same we must not forgot tina
tact and good management are condition
and attributes of a teacher, much more need
ed in the school room, than brilliant scholar
ly requirements.