The record-union., 1891-04-01
Methods of TEACHING.

EDS. RECORD UsIoN: Allow me to ex-
press my gratitude, as a parent and
patron of the public schools, toward
your able journal for taking up and dis
cussing the question of efficiency on the
part of those to whom we intrust our
most vital interest--the education of our
children. That there are faults in our
present system, anyone who has given
the subject sufficient attention will be
forced to admit. The teachers themselves
proclaim the fact, but have not the cour-
age to specify wherein the trouble lies.
Now, while do not entirely agree with
MIR. miller, ON the proposition that teach
ers, like prophets, are without honor in
their own country, think that new vigor
should be infused into their methods
from time to time, as the constant repeti-
ton OF the same character of work from
day to day, and year to year, has ten
dency to produce Somnolent effect upon
their energies. That as good material
can be found among the graduates Of our
own schools as elsewhere, not even ex-
cepting the HUB" / have no hestancy
in declaring, but these apt young people,
and their more experienced sisters, too,
should keep pace with the times, through
means quite within their reach.
And right here 1 would ask how many
of our teaehers-after the inspirting adj
vice given at the County Institutes for
the past few years-have perused the
educational journals and pedagogical
works recommended by the eminent
educators who addressed them?
There IS no reason why teacher
educated in the public schools of Sacra-
mento should not be as familiar with new
methods and advanced ideas of training
as the graduates OF any other system of
schools. They have but to read, think
~ ND mn int yr hot
publications on the subject of teaching
make accessible to all at the present time.
But, TO insure this constant effort to
keep up with the great progress which
has taken place in the art of teaching, the
most necessary point is to have, as your
editorial in Monday mornings paper so
ably declares, q head-a live. capabIe.
tangible, visible head-to the entire de-
partment. This person should be one
able to detect lncapacity, and honest and
fearless enough to proclaim it. The term
superintendent OF Schools has too long
been synonymous with doler out of
supplies and granter of permits, whereas
he should be qualified and authorized to
pass judgment upon the ability of the
teachers. lie Tor some other official. as
you suggest should be so thorough a
scholar and educator that his commenda-
ton would be gratifying to the successful
instructor, and his suggestions helpful to
the unsuccessful. Let us have a SuDer-
vising Principal capable of keeping the
teachers UP to the mark, and then the
schools will rise in proportion.
An earnest and efficient supervising
Principal would call frequent meetings
Of his assistants for the purpose of mutual
Improvement and praiseworthy emula-
ton. In other places such meetings are
held at regular periods, and are product
i've of inestimable benefit to the schools.
We have many teachers in our DEPART
ment who, from their natural aptitude
and long experience, are invaluable aids
to the cause of education; and why should
they not, for the good of the cause. make
known their methods to the least-fayored
members of the profession? In MANY
cases suggestion is all that would be re-
qulred, for the young people who stand
the crucial test of a teachers examination
in Sacramento County are quick of COM
prehension, and with a thoroughly com
petent chef would certainly do most ex-
cellent work.
These suggestions are not made for the
purpose OF increasing the duties of what
Is no doubt conscientious, industrious
portion OF our community, but because
Of the writer's conviction that with a
system of thorough supervision more
etfectual methods Of instruction could be
employed, and would produce results
sufficiently gratifying to compensate for
little extra labor. A PARENT