TEACHER'S LICENSE.
On motion by Mr. WHITE, his graded teacher's license bill [S. 145-see pp. 72 and 73 of the Brevier Reports] was read the third time.
Mr. YANCEY opposed this bill because it prevents young people from procuring a license to teach school after, their first six months' license has expired. It is unjust to poor young people who are trying to educate themselves. It is unjust, unfair, and ought not to pass.
Mr. WHITE did not think there was any unfairness in the bill. If young people will prepare themselves they can obtain a six months' license, There will be 'no trouble where they have the qualifications for governing a school and imparting education. He recited the provisions of the bill printed on page 72 of these reports.
Mr. JOHNSON believed that during the six months of teaching elementary branches on a trial license, the teacher will have ample time to qualify himself for taking a one year's license. If he does not qualify himself for a higher license then a six months' license shall not be re-issued. Other young teachers can take his place it he can not obtain a higher license. In the interest of schools and school teachers, also, that they may more thoroughly qualify themselves for their difficult and responsible task, this bill should pass. There is no in justice in giving this trial license but once.
page: 185[View Page 185]Mr. YANCY (interposing): Will it not in time cut off every young man and woman from educating themselves for teachers by practice?
Mr. JOHNSON (resuming) could not see in what respect it could; on the contrary it would have the effect to impel them to be diligent.
Mr. YANCEY (interrupting): There are hundreds of young men and young women who get a certificate for six months and teach school, who have poor relatives to take care of, that takes all the money they can get for their support, and who have not the means nor the time to improve their education while holding a six months' certificate. This bill would take away from that class the opportunity of teaching longer.
Mr. JOHNSTON (resuming) did not know whether the principle was a correct one to keep teachers of elementary grades at the lowest level of efficiency. This bill has been recommended by the Committee on Education and by the out-going and in-coming Superintendents of Public Instruction; and he thought it would add to the efficiency of teachers throughout the State.
Mr. CAMPBELL was in favor of this bill. Because of its merits one or two of his own bills on the same subject were laid on the table with his consent in order to give place to this one. He thought the Senator from Hancock [Mr. Yancey] was mistaken in supposing this bill might have a tendency to deprive young teachers from securing licenses. If the teacher of extra proficiency obtains a twenty-four or 36 months' license he is relieved, as is right, of the burden and inconvenience of undergoing an examination year after year.
Mr. SMITH, of Jay, opposed the passage of the bill. If there are any class of professional men m the Slate being oppressed it is the Common School teacher. He served a term of eight years, and believes the first term under a six months' license was the best he ever taught. Under the present law the teacher is between two fires. There is a constant coming down in wages, and the fees are being increased for examinations and for attendance on Normal Institutes. If one attains the general average of 60 per cent. under the present law, teaches a good school to the satisfaction of the citizens of the District, that is all that ought to be required. This bill would drive from the profession a great many bright minds instead of giving encouragement to the profession.
Mr. VAN VORHIS explained his negative vote by declaring this bill was in the interest of teachers who now hold twenty-four months' licensee as the bill does not require such to submit to an examination after the taking effect thereof.
The bill failed to pass for want of a Constitutional majority-yeas, 21; nays, 13.
