The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1846-01-08
VOICE OF FIR E E D o M.

But it is not to be expected that in The
compass of the single sheet which we
propose to lay before you, we can advert
TO all the objects that should claim your
attention. Our aim has rather been TO
impress upon you the idea that there is a
theory OF school teaching -lhat there are
proper modes OF instruction and manage
meat, with which it is important that you
should become acquainted, if you are not
alread y so; and then to urge upon you 10
procure and study those books in which
you will find these subjects treated on,
and your duties delineated. "The Teach
en-" "Lecures on School keeping"
"The Teachers Manual and THE
School and S;hool>master" are works
ofthis character. You will find in these,
hints and helps beyond what you imagine,
if you are not already familiar with them
To the work last named every teacher of
common school in the states of New
York and Massachusetts has access-each
school district being furnished with cop.
y. And we could wish that this treatise
or something similar were accessible to
every teacher in this state. The impor-
lance of such Information as is there en-
braced cannot be too strongly recommen-
ded or loo earnestly urged. Indeed we
would more readily give our appreciation
to a candidate for school teaching who
was well informed upon the theory of
teaching-one who well understood the
true ends of education and the proper
methods Of instruction. even though pos
sessing less OF learning as the term is gem
orally understood than 10 one whose at
tainmens might be much higher on this
last score, but who might be destitute of
what should be regarded as a knowledge
of the elementary principles of his pro-
fession.
To those especially who are designing
10 pursue the business OF teaching after the
present season we would say, that whatev-
err standard of qualification may be deem-
advisable to establish on the first introduce
ton Of the new system Of examination,
there can be no doubt that thorough
knowledge of the theory Of teaching will
very soon be demanded as an indispens-
bly, important prerequisite, and in fact
that the leading point 10 be ascerained
will be, no! how much knowledge does
the candidate possess grammar, Geogra-
ply or Arithmetic, nut does he understand
the proper meihod of teaching his pupils
how to acquire knowledge OF these sci-
ences for themselves. To such then as
have not already devoted their attention
specifically 10 this subject, it is matter Of
Interest that they should now endeavor 10
acquire knowledge of this important
branch Of their professi0n-o or rather we
should saw, knowledge of the princ pies
which lie at the very foundation OF it.
The mechanic is expected 10 learn his
trade before he engages in 1t; bot OF what
value are the materials which constitute
the sui jecls of the mechanics or the artists
operalions-the wood, The marble or the
diamond in comparison with mind, the
immortal mind Tell us then, setting
interest aside, whether you can answer
the demands of a good conscience if you
fail to use all the means within your
reach for securing an acquaintance with
your business, even though it were 10 be
available but for a single season.
The schcolroom may to some, al first
view, seem narrow sphere Of action; but
from within lis walls proceed iohuences
which not only decide to great extent the
character and destiny OF the individual
out extend TO and effect Tor good or evil
all the complicated interests of society and
government. They are influences which
IN n l;to A., III noJ FROM, tho y n ~, hore
oflhe heart, TO reach the remolesl aud mi
nulesl tissues and parts Of the body POLITE,
n,ermingIing with all the various streams
which course through the organization Of
society. and exerling life giving or des'
!roying energy-modlIyIng In short our
social existence, and exercising their pow
er over the nations life.
High then IS The trust committed 10
your hands, And although it has hereto
fore seemed that the community felt but
liule interest in your occupation, or paid
but little regard to the manner in which
its duties were discharged or 10 the results
which were wrought out by it, there have
vet been those who have long thought
that things ought not to be thus and we
trust that a train of measures is now 10 be
pu! in operation which will tend TO awak,
en- the community TO a more deep and just
sense OF the priceless value of the inter
ests involved in your labors, and that
hereafter while Deficiencies will be less o.
verIooked, 50 on the other hand the merit
won by patient and faithful discharge
OF your duties will be. more observed,
more highly appreciated, and more ade'
qualrl y rewarded.
HORACE EATON.
State Superintendent of Common
Schools.
Elosburgh, Dec, LIST, 1915.
EypToeION Ann Loss OF LIFE We