Circular: To The Primary School Teachers Of Michigan

The undcrsigned would submit to the Primary School Teachers of this State who feel an interest in Primary School education, the propriety of holding Conventions in their several counties for the following purposes, viz: lst. To discuss the different questions of importance, relative to our Primary Schools, such as the best modes of Government, discipline, &c. to be used in schools. 2d. To elévate the character of School Teachers, and render school teaching a p:ofession. 3d. To raise the standard of teachers' wages.4th. To créate an interchange of feelings and ideas between teachers, in different parts of the State, and throw all the light possible, upon the subject of Primary School instruction. It must readily be admitted, by every one acquainted with our Primary School system, that it is in a dilapitated condition. with neither life, nor activity in it, and we should be about as well off without any system whatever. There seems, almost universally, to be indifference and inaction, on the ' part of both teachers anc paren ts, in reference to this subject. - While the cause of Primary Schools is rapidly advancing in the Eastern States, and men of science and talent are noblyengaged in elevating the standard of Primary Schools; here, there seems to be little or nothing done, and children are growing up in ignorance, idleness, and vice. Having spent several years in the vocatión of school teaching, and feeling no small degree of interest in the behalf of Primary schools, the undersigned has long been of the opinión, that something should be speedily done to improve their condition, and render school teaching an honorable and useful profession. And in no better way, in his opinión, can this be done, effectually, than by the assembling together of teachers, in their respective counties, and holding conventions. By this means, they will become acquainted with each other's mode of teaching, and School government, the different books used, the different plans upon which school houses are built, and the interest taken by Parents, as well as teachers, in the cause of Primary Schools. By this means, too, school teaching will be made a profession, the true condition of Primary Schools will be ascertained, and much light, of importance in other respects. thrown upon the subject. There is, unquestionably, a great reform needed, in reference to our Primary Schools, and it must be commenced by School teachers. It is reserved for themto commence this great work oí reform; and, if soon commenced with zea] and perseverance, it will speedily be accomplished, and those who assist in it, will be rewarded by a consciousness, that they have done their duty as patriots, and intelligent and accountable beings. It would be well for teachers, if these suggestions meet their approbation, to assemble together as soon as possible. The undersïgned, however, would recommend, in the first place, that county conventions should be holden, composed of all the teachers of each county; and in the second place, tbat a State Convention should be holden, composed of delegates from different parts of the State or as manyas should be willing to attend. He wouk also. be much obliged to the teachers o: Washtenaw, in particular, as well as t the teachers of the other counties of th the State, if they would inform liim bv mail, (post paid) relative to their view of his suggestions. If they should meet their approbation, he can give notice of the time and place of holding the convention for this county, and the teachersof other counties can assemble together wben they choose. Will the teachers of the several counties considerthis subject, and give it that attention, which its importance demands. School Teachers op Michigan, do your duty to youitselves, your counTRY, and Youii God.