|
1671
119
bears in itself a reward that cannot be reckoned in dollars
and cents, or by a desire to earn a livelihood with the expen-
diture of very little physical exertion. The former are gen-
erally well prepared : they shrink from no labor necessary to
fit themselves for their calling, because they love it. The ex-
aminer finds his duty a pleasant one when they are before
him, and their record afterwards is replete with successful
labor among enthusiastic pupils. The latter endeavor to
shirk examinations. They have innumerable reawns why
'permits' for an indefinite length of time should be granted
them,—are satisfied in their own minds that examinations
are humbugs, and think it preposterous that a teacher, whose
business it is to ask questions, should be subjected himself
to a series of interrogatories. Some of this class occasionally
pass,but the examiner does not sign their certificates with
any leasure. While the laborer should receive a proper
pecuniary compensation for his labor, and an effort is being
honestly made to secure more remunerative salaries for ener-
getic teachers, it is a solemn duty resting on every school of-
ficer to eliminate from the profession, those drones who cling
to it because no other employment is open to them, and yet
begrudge the time and labor required for the thorough per-
formance of their duties.
Examinations however, do not furnish every indication as
to the fitness or unfitness of a teacher. He must be tried in
the school room, in order to show whether he is burn to the
profusion, or only an intruder in its ranks. His power of
governing, his administration and executive abilities, his fa-
culty of imparting instruction, these can only be judged of
in the school. Hence the necessity for visits of inspection
by the President. This duty cannot he performed in the
large Counties, more than once a year, and, as the schools
are fullest during the most inclement months of the year, it
necessitates at times, fearful exposure to rain, wind, and
snow. My inspections were made during; the months of Jan-
uary, February, March and April. The Commissioner of
each district accompanied me in the visits'to his own schools.
A few classes were always examined in such manner as to
furnish a good idea of the nature of the instruction imparted,
the discipline of the school was investigated, and the man-
ner of keeping the Register inspected. These visits were al-
ways closed with short addresses to the pupils on the nature
and importance of their work, and such other subjects as
may have been suggested during our visit. There can be no
doubt as to the value of frequent visits to the schools by the
school officers. Indeed frequent visits of parents and others,
where these do not interfere with the regular school exerci-
ses are very beneficial; while they enable the visitors to un-
derstand how laborious are the teacher's duties, they may
draw forth that sympathy in his work which will make his
heart light under heavy pressure.
|
 |