The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1909-01-27

and there are scores of teachers hold
ing first grade certificates who are in
competent, and who have in some way
secured one, who persist year in ant
year out, in having it renewed until i
is literally worn out.
| am anxious to see the teaching pro
fession keep bright and up-to-date in
its work. and | must confess that the
present plan, while it's imports are all
right has become defective from the
way it has been worked, and to get out
of the old ruts some material change in
the existing methods is absolutely need
ed.
Let the State Superintendent have a
printed list, alphabetically arranged, of
all who obtain state certificates sent out
to each County uperintendent, giving
post Office address. and any other data
deemed proper. This list being in his
possession, could be frequently consult
ed with view OF securing competent
teachers. Further, be could consult it.
and register those who should be en-
! ployed by his trustees, and who would
not need to go through with the usual
cumbersome plan of having certificates
registered.
Another advantage Of this plan is that
trustees could have access to such print
ed lists, and could the better engage
their teachers, thus saving to the teach
ers large fees paid to information bu-
reaus. All graduates of recog niZed col
leges who are teaching, or VINO propose
to teach, could qualify by presenting
his diploma or other credentials either
to the Stare Board or through the Coun-
ty Superinvendents. There would be
complete roster of eligible teachers,
whether qualifying through the exam
ination or by diplomas.
Let all certificates issued by the Board
be for q period of five years, subject to
renewal provided the holder has been
engaged in teaching throughout the
term. None will deny that we need a
more uniform standard than that now IN
use. 1t has been altogether too easy in
the past to get certificates, especially
first grade ones, and those who, when
once they get them, persist in renewals,
and all effort at further scholarship
ceases in many cases. What L as we'll
as every other county superintendent
who is ambitious for progress desires,
is teaching force-to be well up on these
subjects and zealous-not merely school
keepers, but real teachers. With q low
standard of scholarship we cannot hope |
for great progress. We must elevate
the standard of proficiency, and higher
wages will follow.
The plan outlined herein, or some
modified form of it, would stimulate 6,
greater interest and ambition on the
part of hundreds of teachers, while the
drones would either bestir themselves
to attain to greater scholarship or be-
come ashamed and drop out.
This plan would relieve the County
Boards of much responsibility, and
!. ould obviate the liability OF being
charged with favoritism. Frequently
for teachers certificates be-
ing well and favorably known, relying
upon their general qualifications, do
not make the necessary preparations,
trusting and believing that they will in
some way be passed. / would recon-
mend that these examinations be held
q June, Immediately after the close of
The schools and colleges, thus giving
ample time to examine hepapers. issue
;he certificates and give the. teachers
In opportunity of securing positions be-
ore September. Whether or not any
If the plans as outlined be adopted, I
.m certainly IN favor of a more thorough
examination Of not less than two days,
he certificates to be issued by the State
3oard, and the examinations to be held
q June. BY reflection the advantages
II each idea is seen and appreciated.