The independent-reporter., 1910-02-17
MAINE TESTS Id6hERs
THOROUGHLY
Advantages Of State Certificates Set
Forth.

PaySOn Smith, State superintendent
Of public schools, has issued the fol-
lowing letter relative to examination
of applicants for State certificates as
teachers:
The annual examination of candi-
dates for State certificates will occur
Friday. February 25. 1910, beginning
at 8 o'clock Q. m.
The subjects In which candidates
will be examined are reading. writing,
spelling, arithmetic, geography, Eng
lish, grammar, u. 8. history. physio-
logy and hygiene, elementary science
or nature studies, civil government,
theory and practice of teaching and
school law.
The question submitted will be fair
tests Of such knowledge as every
teacher should possess. They will be
such that no properly qualified teach
er OF primary grades need fail to
pass and yet such that, to attain the
highest grade Of certificate, the can
didate must possess thorough and ac-
curate knowledge Of every subject Of
examination.
The certificates issued will be of
four grades and of four periods of
duration. Grade of certificates will
be based ON rank In examination, on
facts stated In the preliminary ex-
animation, report Of which must be
filed in this department before Feb
ruary Is, by every teacher taking the
examination, and on statements sub
mitted by such persons as teachers
give for references. Duration of
certificates will be determined by
actual teaching experience minimum
rank in examination, and certain
facts given in the preliminary ex-
animation reports. The highest grade
will authorize. the holder to teach In
any free high or public school for
which employed; the other grades,
to teach in any common school for
which employed. Duration certifi-
Gates will be for life, or for five
years, three years, or one year.
Candidates who are college gradu-
Gates or from college preparatory
course or its equivalent in a first
class academy or high school and
whose average rank is 80 and whose
rank in any subject Is not less than
70, will receive certificate of the
highest grade. Others who are not
graduates as above but whose rank
is exceptionally high, who can teach
high school subjects including al
least one ancient and modern Ian
guage, and who have taught success
fully in high schools, may receive
certificate of highest grade. For tf 2
second grade an average rank of 81
at least and no lower than 10 must
be- attained. For the third grade an
average rank of 70 with none below
so is required. All candidates whose
rank In any subject Is less than so and
not less than. 35. nor less than 40 In
more than one subject, will receive
certificate of the fourth grade.
The advantages accruing from the
possession of the State certificate are
several and important.
First, the holder Is not required to
take an annual local examination for
a local certificate. The law expressly
provides that the State certificate
shall be accepted by school commit
tees and superintendents In lieu OF
the personal examination and certifi-
cation" otherwise required.
Second, the certificates are coming
to be held by school boards, not only
as evidences of the technical fitness
of the possessors. but of that quite
as essential fitness found in ambition
to excel, in well-grounded self
reliance, and in personal pride in and
love for their work; for no teacher
who does not possess these important
qualifications will take the pains tC
procure State certificate.
Third, the certificate in itself Is 6
complete and the most reliable testi'
monial which the possessor can pre-
sent when applying for a new posi-
ton. On its face 1t shows the ranl
of its holder In scholarship as fount
by fair and impartial tests, and ir
professional qualifications as judged
by at least two competent persons
having personal knowledge thereof
On it's back 1t bears complete state
ment of the holders scholastic train
ing, special and general reading
teaching experience, preferences fol
special lines of work, and names o.
those who are her sponsors and stant
ready to recommend her. 1t furnish
es In short just the evidences of al
applicants fitness which intelligent
school boards wish to have. Fourth
In most cases and to teachers OF the
right spirit the examination and GER
tificate gained will serve as a slim
ulus and a guide to fuller prepana.
ton. Few teachers are equally quail
4, flied in all subjects Of instruction, ol
are not lacking in some essential gen
eral qualification which 1t is in theil
power to attain. The examination
and certificate disclose and empha-
size these defects In fitness, and few
will rest satisfied till they have made
efforts for their correction.
All actual or prospective teachers
desiring to take the examination must
register on or before February 15, by
forwarding to this department COM
plete preliminary examination reports,
blanks for which will be sent on APP
plication. This Is especially i'm
portant In order that circulars stat
ing places of examination may be
mailed to candidates as soon as such
places are definitely determined as
we'll as others of special importance
as giving valuable suggestions and
advice. These circulars will be sent
only to registered candidates.
PAYSON SMITH,