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Show VOLUME IV. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, DECEMBER 15. 1892. teachers of the Deaf. 1 An erroneous impression prevails among a good many people regarding the necessary qualifica-tion- s of teaeliers of the deal". Because in ordinarv schools for this class the pupils do ?t proceed so f.ir in the advanced studies as 11 hearing children, the is formed that almost anybody can teach the deaf. A liltle soni;1 con-elusio- unnoticed. This applies to ordinary work in schools for the deaf. In academic classes,or where a col-eg in te course is pursued, pupils a re permitted to take a wider range of study. The necessity for this condensation of subject matter at once represents the need of ability to make such changes as the nature of the work demands. The teaeliers must thoroughly under-stanwhat is required of them, and know h:w to meet the demands without loss of time. The best equipped minds, even with junior classes, are most certian of success. Thev have the largest n experience will dispel such illus- d The wok is the most resources from which to draw dillicult ami, for reasons well supplies, and are most likely to known, the most responsible, that present it in an attractive from. We know that a good many ean possibly occupy the mind of It requires a parents of deaf children allow me.i and women. combination of rare qualit ies. Not themselves to expect that, when only must teachers possess a sub- their sons or daughters have comstantial education, and be well pleted the allotted course of studin formed on many subjects, but ies in school designed for their th.'V must have the ability to benefit, they are qualified to take information so as to interest charge of classes as teachers. those committed to their care. Thev also assert thafdeaf teachers They must also combine patience thus qualified should he employed with industry and never weary of iu preference to others, as they repetition. With the deaf reviews are familiar with the peculiar lanare frequent, and progress gen- guage employed in educating the are oi deaf. It requires something more erally slow. little use to either teachers oi than a mere ability to make signs, pupils until, perhaps, the highest or a rapid use of the manual grades, are reached, and even then alphabet, to become a successful they are subject to abbreviation teacher. There are deaf persons, and change of construction. The who have been educated by the limited time at the disposal ot systems above mentioned, capable teachers of the deaf, and the and eminently successful in their formidable difficulties encoun- work; but they had previously tered in mastering a language so revealed their capacities, and won largely composed of idioms and the distinction confeired upon We contend that all nec synonymous phrases, preclude the them, possibility of going oyer so much essary qualifications being con-- : ground as text hooks usually sidcred, deaf applicants for situacover. The wheat is extracted, tion as teachers should receive and tin1 chaff and straw are left ' a fair share of official favors. ion '. im-ja- .t Text-hook- s NUMBER. 6 The mere fact of their deafness gives them special clain for favorable consideration, but it must not be permitted to cancel other As the questions of efficiency. profession enlarges and becomes more svstemized there is a demand for higher grades of qualification, as the time for experimental work by novitiates has passed, and there is now a prin with the experience of many eiple years to direct operations in the school room. The standard, by which teachers o' the deaf are judged in a scholastic, sense, may not be clearly defined, but it is generally recognized as something more than a rudimentary educa-tion- , with the auxilary props the character of the wrok demands. In this school it readies the limit of a certificate from a public school examining Those familiar with the board. course of study required to qualify for admission into high schools of this province- will admit that such an educational status is either superficial nor of trivial importance. There are exceptions to the rule, but they apply to cases of special qualification or experience which recommend the applicant to favor. Several of teachers here hold professional certificates, which represent a higher standard of qualification. They were teachers in public schools before entering upon the work of teaching the deaf, and well-define- d non-profession- al find their study and experience in that capacity f much value in their The present position. recent movement in the lrnited States towards collegiate gradu-ate- s for special training in the National College at Washington, ( ( 'mtthutul nji fourth y"'.) |