The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1849-05-26
ORIGINAL.
Random Shots,-No. 15.
By NoNDEsCRIPT,
School Teachers.

er, which requires, more especially, Pc
culiar talent and cast of mind ii is the
Teacher of public school. Where are
crowded together, as under one system
boys and girls, young men, women, and
children it requires more tact, discretion
and management to succeed well, than gen.
orally falls to the lot of those entrusted
with the education of youth.
Itrequires patience, tact, talent, ingenu-
ity and frmness to make aschool all that
the public good demands. The most la
mentable deficiency is often manifested by
reachers,in almost every respect. Those
whose business it is to obtain, employ and
support competent man; are in most ca
ses deplorably remiss in their duty. Can
it be expected that man who has spent
much time and money in fitting himself for
the profession or calling Of common
school Teacher, is either able or willing to
undertake severe and laborious occupa-
.ion, for inadequate compensation | do
not 40 much blame q man who is noto-
riQusly incompetent for taking school /;
but do blame board of directors who
make themselves asses, by employing such
a man. They are the most egregious fools
and greatest knaves of the two.
At the same time, a man who knows
himself unfit to fill the station to which he
aspires, and who must, in his sober mo.
ments acknowledge his incomPetency, (of
course no insinuation against General lay
lor is inlended) should be held up to pub
lie scorn and Indignation. Such man is,
with malice aforethought swinding the
public and obtaining money under false
pretences. A Teacher should be man of
extensive and varied information. He
should be master of every branch he pre-
tends general literature: so that he can
explain, illustrate and enforce his positions
and opinions.
The most successful, and at the same
time most delightful way of fixing lesson
in the mind,and of rendering study inter,
esting and entertaining to the young mind
is by oral instruction. A Teacher should
have his mind stored with apOthegrus, H.
luStratiOns and comparisons. Very few
studies are in themselves interesting TO
beginner, but there are none which cannot
be made so, by a competent master. 1t is
then Of the greatest importance that such
an one should be selected to fill this post,
the we'll filling of which, is so essential to
the welfare of the union and the happiness
Of its citizens
The first step then in so great desider-
atum, would be the electing as officers,
men of mind and discernment men who
would be willing to give fair compensa-
ton for a good Teacher,
But this is not all, for many men whose
education fits them in every respect for
this delicate station are still deficient Ell
ther in energy, tact or morality--It is of
the greatest importance that the Teacher
should not be Objectionable in this point
One example will do more in a school,
than half a dozen preceptS. This should
be borne in mind by the selecting and ex-
amining committee, as we'll as by the man
asking for situation. Religion is profta-
BILE unto all things. A high tone of honor,
sentiment and feeling, are most powerful
anxlllaries in the moral conduct and success
tuI government of a promiscuious public
school.
Again : Teacher should use every
scholar with marked respect. Respect a
man and he will respect you. Make him
believe you esteem and think we'll of him
and he will endeavor to deserve your good
opinion. Do notmake public example
of a scholar, except on very special occa-
sions or when it is seen. that private re-
primand at different times, has failed in eff.
feet
This last remark ] dedicate particularly
10 Teachers. Provoke not scholar to
wrath. Study well the character Of the
child With Hhom you are dealing. Be