The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-08-14
RUSH FOR POSITIONS
IN SCHOOL TEACHING.
Quarterly Examination for CertiA-
Gates Largely AttendeA-Sch0ols
Very PrODvProua.

cafes Largely AttcDde0-SCkO0lO
Very Prosperous.
The most largely attended and one Of
he most successful quarterly examinations
OF school teachers held in King county.
was concluded at the high school building
yesterday under the auspices Of County
School Superintendent Meredith. The
teachers who took the regular examination
numbered 12S. and enough teachers were
present seeking certificates on diplomas
from other states to bring the whole num-
Der up to rs The highest attendance
superintendent Meredith can recall In the
past - 10, . number Of years ago.
The large attendance at the examira
tons yesterday is partially explained, &C.
cording TO Superintendent Meredith, by the
fact that the aspirants for high grade
certificates are far more numerous than
ever before There ara three grades Of
certificates and the holder OF the highest.
or first grade, Is entitled 70 several valuable
privileges not accorded other teachers The
most important Of these privile ges Is that
the holder OF first grade certificate is
not compelled 20 take the regular teachers
examination for the renewal OF the certi-
fcate, but may have 1t renewed at the ex-
piration Of five years upon simple appiica-
ton. provided he or she shall not have
been out or the profession two years in
succession.
Another fact that weighed heavily in in
cressing the attendance is that the schools
OF King county were never in better shape
financially and otherwise than now The
collection OF large amounts OF delinquent
taxes. and the increase Of the personal
property tax. have both brought in much
money for school purposes and as con-
sequence all the districts are well provid-
ed for. The result is that more school
teachers are needed. Their wages, too.
have been increased by about IS month
on an average. Superintendent Meredith
says. He has visited every school district
in the county and should know He is
constantly receiving letters from country
school directors informing him OF their
plans for the coming school year and ask
ing regarding the employment OF teachers
In many districts, where last year the d.
rectors gave but four or five months
school. this year the directors are making
arrangements for from six to eight months
The result is that a grand rush for teach
ers' certificates is being made.
The character of the examination ques-
tons did not differ greatly from those sub
mitted in former years. There was one in
novation. On most subjects twelve written
questions were submitted and correct an
swers TO but ten were required. to give
the highest mark. In this way the aspir-
ant for certificate Was given two extra
chances for life and the prospect OF fall
ure on one or two extra puZzling ques-
tons was much reduced. Prof. f. II. Stat
ford. principal Of the Cascade school, and
NJ. NJ. Moss acted az assistant examiners
to Superintendent Meredith.
The superintendent and his assistants now
have a job on their hands which they will
not complete before tomorrow. This Is the
examination and listing OF the papers pre-
pared by the applicants for certificates.
Over 5000 pages Of manuscript will have TO
be critically inspected. The county SUPER
inteudent does not mark the standing Of
the applicants for certificates upon their
examination papers This ia done at the
state school superintendent Office In
Olympia. where the papers are sent after
inspection by the county superintendent.
But the county superintendent indorse-
ment OF general remarks upon the papers.
is given a great deal of weight.
It will probably be about September /
before the results OF the examination will
be known. Then a detailed iisr OF the
applicants. with their standing. will be re-
ceived by Superintendent Meredith. to-
gether with certificates for the successful
ones.