The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1907-03-21
4 q
MAHASKA COUNTY SCHOOLS
Field Notes and Observations by Chas. H. Young Supt
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Numerous questions relating to the
certifcation of teachers have come
to me. Many teachers, mostly from
grades duplicated in this county;
some have asked to have grades from
third grade certificates accepted In
lieu of an examination; some have
asked to have certificates issued by
the former county superintendent ex-
tended to allow them to finish the
present school year. In each of
these cases have been compelled to
say that the law gives me no author
lty to grant the request. 1t should
be generally known that the county
superintendent has no authority to
issue a certificate of any grade. The
State Board of Educational Examin-
ers are the only persons empowered
by the laws of Iowa to issue teach
er's certificate of any grade.
1t must not be believed, however,
that the new law takes all authority
away from the county superintend-
ent; for, while he cannot issue GER
| tificates, duplicate grades, or extend
certificates issued by county super
intendent. he still has some author
ity in admitting or rejecting candi
dates for examination. Besides this
he grades on General Fitness, Oral
Reading and Didactics. The State
Board will not renew a certificate, ex-
cept in cases where the county super
intendent recommends the renewal.
In answer to the question, what
Is third grade uniform county GER
| tificate; is it one gotten wholly under
the new law" Superintendent of
Public Instruction John F. Riggs
says:
Section of the certificate law
provides that third grade certifi-
cate shall be issued by the State
Board for six months and that the
county superintendent may, at his
option. extend such certificate to the
frst day of the July following its is
sue. Such a certificate cannot be
renewed and not more than two such
certificates may be issued to the
| same person. 1t is clear from this
section that the certificate is issued
| wholly under the new law. the same
rs second and first grade certif-
Gates"
Owing to the shortage of teachers,
4 special examination will be held
Wednesday and Thursday, March 81
and 2S. All those who desire to
teach in Mahaska county this spring,
and who have no certificates, or
| whose certificates have expired or
will expire before the spring term of
school closes, should make arrange
ments to take this examination.
Fifteen pupils from the rural
schools wrote in the examination last
week for common school diploma.
The pressure of other duties up to
the present time has kept me from
getting all the papers graded, so ]
am unable to say just how many were
successful / shall try to get the
marking finished and notify the ex
aminees in a few days, and will like
| ly have the names Of the successful
ones in next weeks issue. Another
examination will be given about the
last of May or the first of June, the
exact date of which will be announc-
ed in due time.
| wish again to call the attention
of teachers and school officers to the
Southeastern Iowa Teachers Assoc
citation to be held at Centerville April
| 4, and 6. The Southeastern Is one
of the strongest teachers assecia-
tons in the state. 1t always has
strong program, the one this year be-
| ing fully up to the standard. No one
can attend this meeting without be-
coming stronger as a result. Speak
ing on this, John F. Riggs, Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction, says:
"Since those attending will carry
back to their schools renewed
strength and inspiration, it is hearth
| ly recommended that school boards
grant leave of absence on full pay
to those teachers who may wish to
attend" l believe that If this recon-;
mendation of Mr.. Riggs were follow
ed by every school board in Mahaska
county the children would be the
gamers. Again, If members of school
boards could bring themselves to be-
lieve that they have time to attend
this meeting, they would be much
better prepared to do their part in
the education of the children of their
several districts. The meeting on
Thursday afternoon for county super
intendents and school officers has
for its motto: ''Forsake that which is
out of date. Cleave to that which has
life," and will no doubt prove very
interesting and helpful. 1t has been
suggested that each school board APP
point one or more of its members to
attend this meeting. / do not know
that this could be done in every case,
but it would certainly be desirable
thing where possible. Let Proud Ma
haska have a good representation of
both teachers and school officers.
The following section and round
table meetings will prove interesting
and helpful to rural teachers and
! school officers:
April 4, at 2 o'clock. County SUD-
erintendents and School Officers. r.
c. Barrett. leader.
| r. nf