The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-12-13
AN ESSAY,
Rec. Sec'y.


Read 10 the Teachers Association at 1fRville,
Dec. sth, 1855, by Miss MARY ANN Rich.
TEACHERS AssocIATIoNs-THEIR ADVANTAGES
AND INFLUENCES:
Progression and improvement 10 almost
every pursuit iI which man is engaged have
become the order and the watchword of the
age. And as an effeclual means for the rro
motion OF improvement, we see associations
formed, and conventions called, where the
asricnlturist, the fruil-grower and the me-
chsnic in almost every art, may display their
productions, their Improvements and their
Inventions, for the benefit of those engaged
in like occupations. So in the religious and
the moral world, much good has been found
10 result from associated action.
Then why not form Teachers Associa.
tions +? which must, if conducted with
proper spirit of enterprise, exert a beneficial
Influence by elevating the profession Of
teachers; inspiring spirit of emulation and
improvement in knowledge and skill in the
art OF teaching. II we cannot carry with US
the fruits of our la5ors, much may be gained
by all interchange of ideas and experiences
One may have adopted an improvement in
The mode of teaching one branch of knowl-
edge and another in another, which should
be made public, that all might enjoy their
advantages.
There are few more important offices in
which we may engage than that of teacher
and Instructor of the young. Few which re-
qulre greater amount of knowledge, skill
and mental discipline. To the teacher, next
to the parent, is consigned the mental and
moral training of the youth of our land-an
arduous and noble calling. Who that has
ever engaged in it, but has felt it's importance
and responsibility. and also at times his in
adequacy TO apply or 10 invent means 10
produce desired results !-that there was
need of improvement in the mode of teach
ing this or that branch of know ledge, or in
! the means employed TO maintain proper
discipline and restraint upon the wayward
spirits of those placed under his care2
Many noble and gifted minds are engaged
in this profession and as in the past many
Improvements have been adopted, so in the
future, as mind becomes developed and ma
tured, we may still look for important changes
in the mode of importing instruction.
And il should be The duty OF teach ers 10
make use of every means within their reach
10 obtain a knowledge of these improve.
men's, that the numberless youth who now
spend their days and years in the school,
room, sacrificing time, money, and health ii.
self, may be benefited by our labors and &C.
qurements-that their minds may be cult.
valed and trenethened- taught 10 reason and
10 reflect, and TO perceive the beauties and
the wonders of created nature, which have
been unfolded by The light of science.
And what more sffectual means for the
diffusion of Information on these subjects
could be adopted than the formation of as.
sociaiions, that a Il might meet together and in
,erchange thoughts and sentiments, inspiring
each other with spirit of emulation which
is powerful incentive TO action, SO that
when We hear OF the success which has al
tended the efforts OF others, we will be in
du ced, if actuated by correct motives, to go
and 40 likewise? But that these associations
may become advantageous, ii is important
that those composing them should be will
ling 10 do what they can 10 render them SO.
Not ,aerely 10 sit down and listen to what
others may say, but each one should be will
ling TO throw III his or her mite, little though
il may be. And here another advantage
might arise, as it is only by the exercise OF
our powers of mind that they are cultivated
and fitted for action. Aad though We may
be able 10 do but little al FIRST, If we are will
ling and exercise our talents 10 do that little
we shall In time be able to do more, and
thus become better fitted for the discharge of
our duties in the school-room.