Harvard University has announced a plan which promises to be a great benefit to education. Beginning the next term the Graduate School of Education offers twenty eight courses in education which are open to teachers in service and by which a degree of Master of Education may be obtained. The classes are scheduled at times which will not interfere with the work of those taking the courses.

Many will doubtless say that a person cannot be taught to teach but must learn for himself through experience. It is true that the science of education even if mastered does not necessarily make one an able teacher. But there are certainly a large number who have the germ of ability in this line and only need some able instruction by a professor with a sound knowledge of the subject to become capable guides and teachers for their pupils.

Furthermore, education has become a profession. The days of the little Red Schoolhouse with its primary, grammar, and high schools rolled into one are past. In the interest of greater efficiency division of labor has entered the field of education and divided it up into separate units. Accordingly, there must be some general rule under which the teaching is done in each division in order that a coordinated system may be formed and the student's education advanced smoothly from one step to the next. These general theories must be learned by the teacher just as the lawyer must know his law or the doctor his medical technique.

But education is less definite and more subject to change than other professions. Research in the field is continually bringing to light improved methods. A good teacher cannot afford to allow himself to get into a rut, but must keep abreast of the times. This is best done by taking courses in a university where the professors in the department have been able through careful research to obtain a knowledge of the best methods.