New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-15
MRS. DEANS DAY OF TRIUMPH.
SHE STANDS EQUAL CHANCE WITH THE
WHITE WOMEN OF BEING APPOINT
ED KINDERGARTEN.

twenty-five women candidates took the examine
items ut Board OF Education Hail. in Grand-st. for
kindergarten work in the public schools yesterday.
Among these was Mrs. Leah Dean who Is the hrst
colored woman to try for the place OF teacher IN
New-York public kindergartens. Mrs. Dean IL
married woman, with two children TO support Tho
examination lasted for three hours. under the
charge Of Miss Jennie Il. Merrill Supervisor OF
Kindersartens; this only the theoretical de-
partment Miss Merrill appointed each candidate
TO a kindergarten for a certain day. In which she
to give a practical test OF her efficiency by
taking entire charge during the school hours OF
that day. Some Of the special requirements are
that the would-be Kindergarten shall play march
for the children's drill be able to lead tRem IN
their singing. tell them a story and teach V,em
new game Miss Merrill said OF Mrs. Dean that
she should take excellent standing IN the exam
nation for she possesses high credentials OF scho-
arship In the diplomas Of the Normal School and
Kraus Seminary. Sho also possesses. OF course. the
requirements for New-York public school teacher
In the shape Of thirty-eight weeks IN training
school and three years experience az teacher.
Mrs. Dean herself sai1 when seen at the close OF
the examination by a Tribune representative, that
she had waited eight years TO obtain her present
opportunity. She had then just finished the pre-
scribed course Of study AMI hoped to take her
examinations az once but the illness Of her mother
prevented this.
You know" said Mrs. Dean with a smile. when
there Is a. sick mother and great deal CT work to
be DONE and only ono pair Of hands to do IT, there
IS not much time left for study and the taking or
examinations"
Now, however after her eight years patient walt
ing Mrs Dean is rewarded. She has at last made
her trial effort
1t seems much as II all this delay had been for
tho best, for the field for coored kindergartens
appears TO be widening as Is evidenced by the
appeal OF the colored citizens for a kindergarten
only one colored public school in the city. that on
Forty-frst- st. which has a colored principal. ana
whose staff Is entirely composed OF coiored
teachers
Superintendent. Jasper said In regard to this that
the Board Of Education had taken It IN hand ana
that II It could be proved that there were enough
children to warrant II, the kindergarten would be
established at the Forty-frst-st. school. He IS
strongly In favor Of colored teacher being put In
there, and 1t seems likely that Mrs Dean, IN the
event Of her passing her examinations. may DC
offered the place. All the teachers IN the grammar
department are colored The fact that she Is q
married woman will be drawback II she proves
A few married women have been allowed 10 teacn
/ in the public schools after the committee mao
looked into the cases and FOUND that either the
husbands unable through tll-health 10 supper.
them as In the OF one woman whose huspan1
IS confined in lunatic asylum, or In tne event Vi
their descrtion, which Is true OF two cases
spoke 10 the young women. and said tnat their
task the greatest which fell TO the lot OK any
teachers for In their hands lay the moulding OF the
first thoughts and opinions OF the children under
their direction lie warned them that their great
begged them not to think lightly OF the task.