Spare the Rod and Spoil the Child!

The following is taken from the April 2010 issue of The Taylor County Tracer, p. 6, published by Taylor County Historical-Genealogical Society, Inc; P.O. Box 1925; Butler, GA 31006. Have I discovered why the public school systems of today are in such shambles? Read and enjoy! You might want to share it with the US Department of Education!

1870 Rules for Teachers

1.    Each day teachers will fill lamps, clean chimneys, and trim wicks.

2.    Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day session.

3.    Make pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupil.

4.    Men teachers may take one night each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week, if they go to church regularly.

5.    Every teacher should lay aside from each month’s pay a goodly sum for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.

6.    Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be discharged.

7.    After school the teacher must spend the time until supper reading the bible and other good books.

8.    Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool halls or public halls, or gets shaved in a barbershop, shall give good reason to suspect his worth, integrity, and honesty.

9.    The teacher who performs his duties regularly and faithfully and without fault for five years, will be given an increase of 25 cents a week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.

1860 Student Rules

1.    Boys and girls shall file into classroom in separate lines and be seated quietly on opposite sides of the room.

2.    Boys shall remove their caps when entering.

3.    Children must sit up straight at all times.

4.    Children must not squirm, fidget or whine.

5.    Children must be clean and tidy in clothing.

6.    There will be a daily inspection of neck, ears, and fingernails prior to class to ensure cleanliness of person.

7.    Young ladies must never show a bare ankle; girls’ and boys’ clothing should cover arms and legs completely.

Punishment

1.    Five minutes tardy in the morning equals 1 hour after school.

2.    Double assignments if homework is not done.

3.    Nothing shall be dipped into the ink wells except pens.

4.    Children who are caught writing with their left hand equals 1 ruler rap on the knuckles.

5.    Do not speak unless spoken to by the teacher. Talking in class equals 1 whack with a rod.

6.    Nothing shall be thrown in class. Such behavior equals 5 whacks with a rod.

7.    Chewing of tobacco or spitting equals 7 whacks with a rod.

8.    Carving on desks or defacing school property equals expulsion.

9.    Fighting, lying, or cheating equals expulsion.