New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-04
KINDERGARTEN Supervision.

The election Of a trained professional kinder
GARNER as Supervisor Of kindergarten lnstruc-
ton in the schools of this city is required. if
worthy results are to be obtained from the In
PRODUCTION of the methods Of Froebel into our
system of primary instruction. When man
has an engine to be run he gets person who
knows something about mechanics and steam
pressure to do it. However much he may es
teen stone mason who wants work. he does
not employ him for an engineer SO when
parents are going to subject their children to
training based on psychologist insight and the
application of intricate scientific methods. they
want somebody to oversee that instruction who
has been thoroughly educated in the theory and
practice Of that method.
The teaching Of the Youngest children has too
often been relegated to the least competent in
structor in n school, in forgetfulness Of the fact
that II Is the youngest child who most needs the
very best training, and that no amount Of good
work subsequently can quite overcome defects
in the first start Nevertheless almost any kind
of teacher can make some sort of progress teach
Ing babies their letters and their first spelling.
But n kindergarten managed by person who
does not understand tho subject Is worse than
no school ut ALL High talent and professional
training may be desirable in any school, but in
the kindergarten they are absolutely essential.
The complexity Of the system and its departure
from conventional rules put it beyond the grasp
Of the tyro Almost any kind friend can apply
a poultce or rub in lnment but an experienced
surgeon is called when instruments are to be
handled.
kindergarten work in connection with the
New-York public schools is practically new. Its
In trod ion In hcpu oil "A q
most beneficent features Of the School Reform
law. Unless the most capable oversight is OBJ
tanned. however. all these hopes are doomed to
disappointment II would naturally be supposed
that none but the most highly trained and COM
pctent person to be found would be thought Of
for such place by any member OF the Board of
Education. and that all anxiety on the subject
was needless. Unfortunately. the history of the
New York schools does not bear out that theory.
but on the contrary. urges the necessity of
watching against efforts to dispose of school
patronage with other than the singlc-mnded
purpose to benefit tine children. aud of fighting
the tendency to deny professional knowledge its
proper weight in school affairs. Even now when
this strictly professional office is to he filed can
ddates are proposed and seriously talked Of who
have had no experience with Kindergarten work.
we REPEAT. IL ptTSoH ulii! nave tAtPieUi cndTit-
ter. the best Of intentions. great executive ability.
many friends and unlimited interest in the pub
lie schools without being fitted to superintcnd
kindergartens. All Of those qualities put to-
gether will not take the place Of expert profess
sional knowledge, ripeneG by ample kindergar
ten experience No candidate for this office
should he for moment considered on any plea
who lacks that knowledge and experience No
true and disinieresrd friend Of the schools
would want that place unless equipped properly
for IT, No member OF the Board of Education
who ought 10 be in the Board would allow any
sort Of influence to make him choose for Super
visor Of kindergarten instruction any but the
best-cducatcd expert in Kindergarten teaching
who can he found. The city has the oppor-
tunity. at this beginning Of Kindergarten work,
to establish n system which will he n credit to
the metropolis and n blessing to its children.
Let not that opportunity be thrown away