The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1899-08-10
TRAINING SCHOOLS FOR
COUNTRY TEACHERS.

the existence or framing SCHOOLS, ASIDE
from the direct advantages resulting
from having trained teachers to manage
the schools. And in this last named is a
benefit not readily perceptible but not to
be disregarded With an institution
whose function it is to train teachers for
their work in country schools, sentl-
ment demanding preparation for the
work TO be entered upon will be created.
The graded and high schools demand not
only evidence of scholarship on the part
of their teachers, but scarcely without
exception some proof, of success III teach
ing or opportunities which are eqriyal-
ent to successful experience. In the
country school it is the exception and
not the rule to inspect the record OF the
applicant
There are training schools for high
school teachers, and this fact as much as
any ether, leads to inquiry as to whether
preparation has been made for doing
properly the work sought. The exist
ence Of school which gives professional
training tends to create a. professional
spirit and gives character to the calling
in whose interests it exists No one will
say country school teaching is a profes-
sion as it is lacking iii the essential OF
preparation is without permanency, sta
bility or promotion. 1t can be entered
upon too easily to have any professional
feature.
There are teachers of country schools
who by individual effort and improving
every opportunity offered, are teachers
| in the true sense, equal if not superior to
the best product of these training schools
under the most favorable conditions.
But they have brought into competition
with them the callow youth who has
quit the country school form to accept
that badge of sovereignty, the country
school ferule. The poorer always drives
ont the better material if the poorer is
tolerated and the country school is no
exception to this rule of economics
The business of teaching is lowered by
the entrance of every incompetent or in
experienced person as a teacher. The
character of the country school suffers
by the work of such a person and with
loss of reputation comes diminution of
support which soon sinks into neglect.
The ease with which the position of
teacher can be secured lessons the value
of the position both to the teacher and
the community. The only obstacle in
the way is the certificate and this is not
always "a bar to incompetency. 1t Is the
only mark of professional fitness requir-
in majority of cases There is no other
test provided unless it comes through the |
inquiry of school board having some
appreciation of qualifications beyond that
of technical scholarship. The influence
of the few who make inquiries, never ex
tends to others as It'll deemed Il personal |
quality and hence inimitable. But the |
habit of inquiry would be inculcated 10y
the operation of school which prepared |
teachers for their work, and qualifications |
would receive much more attention than
they do now.
Our best country school teachers come |
from our best country schools. 1t is not |
that nature has done more for those sec
tons than for others. Superior opror-
tunities are responsible for the improved |
output. Increase the opportunity and |
the product will be improved The coun
Wy training school will be professional |
as we'll rs academic, and will give coun |
try school tea ching a standing which it |
sorely needs.
1t is almost a crime against Intelligence
to permit wholly inexperienced and
barely competent person, educationally |
considered, to take charge Of n school |
and train children how to think, - the |
most important function a man is called |
upon to perform. This is from the teach
er's standpoint rs the average parent per
ceiveS no connection between right |
and book learning. The country |
teacher is left to his own resources, Here
ceives no assistance except what his own |
provides and when 1t serves
his purpose it does not remain an aid for |
others. 1t dies with the use he has made |
of it, aud the same laborious research |
must be taken mp by those who follow
The young and inexperienced teacher
cannot create the means for improve
ment The successful teacher has not
blazed out the path he has travelled in
search of professional knowledge. The |
path to the training school is direct and
there is found in its en- irety what other
wise would have to be gathered in drib |
lets and with serious waste of time
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SECRETAY GAGE has decided to issue
$4,000, 600 in gold certificates. This
issue is not for the purpose of increasing
the currency of the country but to have