The Forrest City times., 1891-06-12
EDUCATIONAL COLUMN.
W. S' }. }. MEeeHfiEWAlN. Editors.

We are glad to note that our County Examiner intends to carry out the spirit and intent of the law in reference to grant ing teachers certificates. The standard has been raised. Noprivate examin ations will be held, and those wishing license can only obtain it by doing satisfactory work at the regular public examination. The public is cordially invited to attend the next examination in the public school building on the 18th and 10th inst. Two days will be required to answer all the questions, We hope the day is not far dis tant when ability and not favoritsm shall determine who are to teach our schools. Let the law be enforced.
 The other morning the papers told the world that democratic school officers had been elected in a certain eastern town. Is not republican as able to manage school affairs as a democrat? Surely no one will claim that there is such thing as democratic arithmetic, or republican grammar. Then why can there bc such a thing as a republican course of study or method of supervision? Let us call things by their right names, and not put party politics where it has no business what ever to be. Politics and political parties are ali right, but they are not everything. A political schonl officer is as much out of his place as pig would be in the pulpit, or a clergyman in saloon. There is an eternal fitness of things in all things, but the most uniting thing of all is dema- gogue teacher or a political school supern tendent or school officer.
 There are many humorous things in the English schools it seems. In book recently published schoolroom is DOT trayed where teacher sought to explain the meaning of the diminutive kin He gave the word ''manakin' to little lad, and asked the class to give him examples where this termination was used. X num- Der of eager hands were raised. What is yours?' asked the teacher "Lambkn. a little lamb" was the quick response Very good; what Is yours?' .'Buskin, little bus" Now. my lads. he pleaded, do take time to think before you speak. There is no meaning in that" Then he pointed to little fellow. who. in his desperate eagerness to catch the teachers eye, had half mounted upon his seat Well, my lad" said the teacher, ''wl,at is yours?" Pumpkin, sir-a little pump.'
 1t is well-known fact that one-half of those who enter the teachers profess sion expect soon to leave it. This is especially true of the teachers in the rural schools. Thirty or forty dollars a month for three or four mouths in the year affords but very small inducement to make teaching profession. Necessity too often drives capable teachers from the ranks of the profession. Before the country school teacher has attained the age of thirty he has'often found other and more lucrative employment, at which he can work twelve months in the year with out being compelled to spcMd all he can save and more too at Normal schools and Institutes with no prospects for remunera- tion for the time spent and for the addi- tional Knowledge gained. This is indeed sad and pitiable state of affairs: but we think that it can be helped. How many wealthy boys attend college with the pro fession ot teaching in view? Law, medi- cine or some other profession generally enjoys the attention of the wealthy: but teaching simply furnishes Il bridge few of the less favored class may pass to the higher and more lucrative professions. All this must be changed The profess sion must be elevated all along the line
 Very few of the great host of teachers can he town or city superintendents, but something should be done to make the profession an object worthy to be sought even in the country and primary schools. Let every teacher make himself a better teacher, worthy of q better position. and the profession will speedily grow in favor.