New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-13
FAVORSTWO YEAR COURSE
MARCEL agrees Nth Butler
Principals Club Luncheon.

The Principals Club had its annual luncheon yes
terday afternoon at Delmonico's. The members OF
the club principals Of elementary public
schools, and most Of them. IL said had gained
their present rank under the system OF competitive
examination for promotion Albert Shels. of School
No. 49, the president Of the club. acted toast
master.
Miss Laura D. Gill, the dean Of Barnard College
made plea that teachers should devote them
selves more to the elementary schools. She said
in part:
Why do wen educated girls to-day choose the
secondary rather than the elementary schools?
They can hope for rapid advancement in the ele-
mentary schools understand. and they ought to
ton.
President Nicholas Murray Butler of Columbia
University said that TWO things had in years
lifted the occupation Of teaching in New-York from
mere calling TO the grade Of a profession. These
two things are the merit system OF appointment
and promotion and assured statutory compensation
He declared that great deal had really been done
In NeW-fork IN recent years in the matter OF I'm
proving the educational system. while people in
other parts of the country had been merely talking
about it.
Dr. Maxwell, City Superintendent OF Schools
began his address By quoting from Arnold the
sentiment that a mans devotion to an instftu-
uon IS measured by his desire 10 improve it. He
added:
the pr o " df h h9 exp eHPoS sr faults ats
PalIIns. Seated here at the gate Of entry for the
lens is the teaching of English as a foreign
lansuage-as President Finley will find is one Of
the tasks even Tor the City College. Owing TO the
oppression from which they have suffered at home
moreover many of these immigrants are against
all laws, and IL is a matter OF prime necessity 70
lead them away from anarchy and 10 make them
into good American citizens.
Nearly thirty years ago, when I landed IN New
4OTk, 1 expected 70 go TO teaching as I had done
IN ireland. supposed that all I would have to do
was 10 go 10 the proper authorities and present
my credentials, and that would then be given a
chance 20 show what I could do I very soon
found that II was utterly useless TO make such
an application; there not the smallest enter
ing wedge. even. The doors were absolutely closed
70 any man like who had friends and no
two things; first, that I would effect an entrance
into the schools. and. second If I should ever have
a chance, I would do all I could do 70 remove
the obstruction which had barred my way. I
count it the greatest achievement OF my life and
the greatest service, that have been able TO help
IN bringing about the system OF appointment and
promotion absolutely merit
I wish to here that regard IL g. wise
suggestion OF President Buffers make the IN
dergraduate course two years. There should be
two years Of solid academic studies, cutting out
every sort Of professional studies. Then there
should be one or two years or thorough, intensive
work teaching and how to teach We need
more thoroughly trained teachers in the ele-
mentary schools, and we want more young men
as well as young women
Other speakers were Chancellor 81acCracken.
the Rev. DR.. E. A. Pace and President Finley Of
the College Of the City Of New-York.