Source:
Historical Sketch of the State Normal School at San Jose, California,
with a Catalogue of Its Graduates and a Record of Their Work for Twenty-Seven
Years [1862-1889]. State Office, J.D. Young, Supt. State Printing. Sacramento, California. 1889.
GEORGE TAIT.
(Principal from July, 1867, to February,
1868.)
George Tait was born in 1831, in the City of New York, and was reared in
the State of Virginia. He received his
education at the University of Virginia, then in the most flourishing period of
its history. He began his career as a
teacher in Virginia, and before he was twenty-one. In 1853, at the age of twenty-two, he came to California, and
went into the French Bank at San Francisco, teaching school in the
evening. In 1857 he was appointed
Principal of the Denman School, and served as such until 1861, when he was
elected City Superintendent of Schools.
In 1863 he was reelected. During
his term of office he advocated many reforms, particularly in the interest of
primary schools, which he thought should, in regard to the character of their
teachers, their buildings, and other appliances of education, rank first in
every school department. Next in
importance to the judicious selection of teachers, etc., in primary schools, he
considered the work of examining, classifying, and promoting pupils. This work was then performed by the
Committee on Classification, aided by the Superintendent. Mr. Tait considered this system inadequate,
and proposed, in its stead, to commit the task to the grammar masters, under
the supervision of the committee, and at the same time to relieve the masters
of the charge of any one class, so that they might attend to the general
interests of their schools. In his
efforts to better the condition of our schools and to raise their standard, he
sought inspiration in the wisdom and experience of the leading educators of the
East, and in his views on the subject he was supported by the Board of
Education.
He also was a warm advocate of religion in the school, and thought the
banishment of all religious instruction from the classroom a slur on the morals
of the community. Educational
authorities differ very much on this important subject, but Mr. Tait insisted
strongly upon the excellent moral effect of reading the Scriptures, without
comment on the part of the teacher, however.
During the years of him incumbency, the practice prevailed in New York
and Boston, and was made compulsory by law; and, in fact, prevailed in this
State-at least, in the schools of San Francisco, in 1852, but soon after fell
into disuse. He also believed in the
American system of co-education, but, at the same time, he advised the
introduction of the European system into a certain number of schools, in view
of the strong prejudice of our foreign element against the former system. He though this concession necessary in order
to extend to the greatest possible number the inestimable benefits of a common
school education.
In 1867 he was appointed Principal of the State Normal School, then located
in San Francisco. His connection with
that institution was, however, very brief, for stress of private business
necessitated his resignation in 1868.
In that year he moved, with his family, to Oakland, intending to devote
himself thenceforth exclusively to his business interests. However, after a short residence in that
city, he was prevailed upon by friends to undertake the task of organizing the
schools of the young city. His long
experience in San Francisco was of the greatest advantage to him in this
work. Soon afterwards he became
connected with Brayton's College School, and when the College of California
became the University of California, he was made one of its professors, and
also give charge of the Preparatory Department. He resigned in 1873. With
the exception of a term as member of the Board of Education of San Francisco,
in 1876-7, his educational career ended here.
After this he traveled in Europe for many years. He died suddenly in 1888, at Alameda,
California.
Thus, the best years of his life were devoted to the cause of
education. He was a natural teacher,
and loved his profession. He often
remarked that the happiest hours of his life were spent in the
school-room. Those who knew him well
will testify to his worth, and praise his great services to the State of
California. If any man eve exaggerated
the advantages of a liberal education, it was Mr. Tait, and in the education of
the masses he looked for the solution of the social question.
The character and importance of Mr. Tait's work may be well estimated by
reference to the points enumerated in an address by Professor Minns, Principal
of the State Normal School, delivered upon the occasion of the presentation of
a silver service to Mr. Tait, then about to retire from office, in which he
calls attention to the important services rendered by Mr. Tait, and which were
as follows:
1. Obtaining from the State
Legislature an Act authorizing the transfer of $60,000 from the General Fund to
the School Fund. This money was used
for building
purposes.
2. Improving the finances of the
department. Before he was
Superintendent there was always a deficit in the School Fund; during his entire
term of office it showed a
surplus. Teachers were paid in cash instead of scrip; and the business of
the department was conducted upon a cash basis.
3. Improving the condition of
the primary schools, by providing better and healthier accommodations for the
children.
4. The revision of the by-laws
of the Board, and of the school regulations.
5. The introduction of the
graded course of instruction in primary and grammar schools, thereby shortening
the course from ten to seven years.
6. Restoring the practice of
reading the Bible, without note or comment.
"It was also upon his recommendation," says Mr. Minns,
"that Principals were directed to assemble their pupils annually, on the
day preceding the birthday of Washington, and to read and explain to them
extracts from Washington's farewell address, and to combine therewith such
expressions as are likely to kindle in the breasts of the rising generation a
holy and inextinguishable love of country."
Transcribed
by Pamela Storm.
© 2004 Pamela Storm.