The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-01-25
For the Spirit of Democracy.
The Ohio Journal of Education.

On looking over the proceedings OF the
late Teachers Institute" held in this
county, noticed the following resolution,
passed by the teachers present on that oc-
casion: "Resolued, That we recommend
The Ohio Journal OF Education to teach.
ers and those interested in the cause of ed.
ucation, as an invaluable companion in
the school room and family" Now, as
a body of teachers Of the county, more
than two.thirds OF US had not the good
luck TO be present at thar meeting; and
therefore were deprived OF the benefit OF
hearing this resolution discussed, and be.
fore endorsing the sentiments contained
in it we should investigate the matter and
see whether any benefit or instruction can
be derived from this highly complimented
Journal.
The subject of common school educa-
ton has. heretofore. indisputably, occupied
a very low position in this county.
1t has been SO that any person who
could ..read, write, and cypher as far as
the double rule Of three" was considered
capable OF teaching common school; and
without taking into consideration his other
qualifications, he was at once ushered in.
to the school room, and to him was COM
mi,ted the moulding of the minds Of the
young and rising generation. And upon
this arduous task he entered without once
thinking of the duties which were incum-
bent upon him, and without possessing
one qualification which fitted him for their
performance. And the parent, consider.
ing when his child was started to school,
that all his duties, toward educating him.
were done, never once visited the school,
nor inquired whether his child was learn
ing or not; remaining an entire stranger to
the concerns Of the school. and in many
cases to the teacher also.
And what was the result? Why, in
nine cases out OF ten the child left the
school in worse condition than when he
entered this intellectual faculties cramp.
ed and his mind directed in an improper
channel. sit is the experience of all
time" that unlearning what is learned
amiss, requires more labor than learning
ten times the same amount correctly. The
school failing to be interesting and attrac-
tive, the child leaves it with 6 fixed hatred
Of schools and every thing connected with
education. But there is thorough refor.
nation taking place. The old and stereo.
typed notions Of hunkerism are being ex.
ploded, and the cause Of education is fas,
rising to that position which it should oc.
cupy; and it stands US in hand to keep
pace with this reformation. Our work is
a glorious one, and we should thoroughly
prepare ourselves for its performance. The
time has been when teachers could not af:
ford 10 spend their time and money in pre-.
pairing themselves for the business OF teach.
ing alone. 1t has been truthfully said thai
"School teaching was hard business. y
But that day is fast passing away. Oul
labors are beginning to be realized and
appreciated, and school teaching is nc
longer looked upon as one of the, lower
professions; but is beginning to shine forth
}, in its true light. Shall we. then. in whose
hands it principally rests, neglect so grea
cause7 Shall we continue on in our ole
/ course. and persist in our old notions
Methinks l can hear every warm.heartet
. teacher, every lover Of knowledge respont
No! We will endeavor to prepare our
) selves 80 that we may shine as ornament
I to our profession.
: Then for this purpose we should b
! ready and willing TO lay hold of ever!
means ofinstruction, every thing by whicl
> we may be better qualified for the dis
B charge Of our duties. 5i'a.
) / know Of no better channel through
! which TO receive this necessary knowledg
, and instruction than through this sam sam