Evening star., 1934-05-05
Copyright, 1891
Teaching Ability
BY ANGELO PATRI.

THIS is no time to lower the stand
ards for the requirements OF
teaching license. Teachers ought to
be the leaders of childhood and youth.
Now that appears to be very simple
statement of an age-worn fact. In
practice. it is one of the most lntrl-
cate relationships in society The
school day is a big section out OF
child's "a hours. He is exposed to
the subtle influences of dominating
personality under conditions that ia
vor the stronger side, the teachers.
A child is changed by the influence
of the teachers personality merely by
sitting in the room with her for
school day. 1t is highly important
that this personality be healthy. stim-
ulating to high endeavor. The teach
er ought to be selected with grave
care and fine discrimination.
We all agree on that, so we have
established a licensing system. Teach
ers must have taken certain courses
of study. passed certain very search
ing examinations, before they are Ii
censed to teach. So far good, but it
is not far enough The selection does
not go far enough back. 1t begins
and ends with the candidates knowl-
edge. If she answers all the ques-
tions correctly she goes to the head
of the list and is appointed. Very
few questions are asked or answered
as to the teachers spiritual equip
ment. as to the quality of her think
ing. as to her temperament in its
relation to the children she is to
teach. Until that is done more ef-
fectively, we shall continue to have
misplaced men and women in our
class rooms to the great detriment of
the children.
Mr.. Greenly is student. He passed
first in big field. He was assigned
to class of the fourth-grade boys.
At the end of the morning session the
boys were on the playground and the
teacher was in despair. IF you'll
make them behave III teach them"
said he, never guessing that he was
telling the principal that he was quite
unsuited to the task he had under
taken. His place was in a university,
postgraduate division.
One could fill reans of paper telling
about the misplaced and unfit teach
fore feel that they have an unques-
toned right to hold their places
against all odds; even in the face of
confessed failure. Once they have
been appointed there is great diff
Guilty in dismissing them. Where are
they to go? What are they to do?
They have taken the course, they have
passed the examinations. they are of
fine character What more do you
want? We want successful co-opera-
ton with the children in the class
rooms.
Selecting teachers is a work that
ought to begin in the elementary
schools. Teachers could note those
specially gifted for the profession.
This selective process should go on
through high school and college. No
candidate that is known to have poor
health. temper tantrums. an irritable
nervous system, a grudging or vim
dictive nature, or any other indica-
ton Of mental unhealth should be
permitted to enroll in the teachers
colleges. Mental health is as impor-
tant, if not more so. than physical
health. Both are imperative in the
teaching force, If the children are to
have the benefit Of the school sys-
tenn. The selective process ought to
begin in the lower grades Of the
school and continue after appoint
ment. The children's growth and de-
velopment is the only reason for the
existence of schools and school teach
ers.
(Copyright, 1934)