The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-11-24
For the Spirit
Monroe County Teachers Associa-
tion.
ti0n.

tion.
Whilst looking over some old papers,
this morning, my eye fell upon Spirit
published eight years ago, in which oc-
ours the following:-"The convention was
addressed by V. c. Knight, J. c. Clark,
and others, upon the subject of education;
after which the following preamble and
resolutions were adopted:
5th. Resolyed-That for the purpose of
carrying into effect the spirit of the above
resolutions, and for the better qualifying
of teachers, we organize ourselves into a
society, to be called The Monroe County
Teachers ASSociation.'
In another paper of August, 1858,
find these words: "Resolred-That teach
er,, desiring to become efficient in their
profession, will fnd their interests advanc-
ed by attending the meetings of the asso-
citation" Again; in the published account
of the proceedings of this association, at
its meeting. in the spring Of 1856, occurs
this commendable determination: "Re-
solccd-That we, as aE ASSOCIATION, will
use our best endeavors for the promotion
of the cause of education in our County,
and that we fully determine nerer to aban-
don the work, until once ozark Monroe
shall shine forth, star of the first mag
nitude, in the educational armament"
Hherc is this Association9 And where
are those dear friends, Knight, Campbell,
Morrow, Sutton, Amos, Powell, Graham,
Clark, &c, whose names l find in connex-
ion with these resolves?
have seen no account, lately, although
l am constant reader of the Spirit. Has
that opinion, expressed in the second Of
the above extracts, been found to be erro-
neous or has the determination avowed,
in the third, been fully carried out?
That the association, during the sew
en- years it existed, accomplished good
work, scarcely any we presume, will deny
Many of the best teachers of the County
have been members. and owe much of their
success to its influence.
1 acknowledge great Indebtedness to it.
1t was in its meetings that I first learned
the great responsibilities attending the
profession, which l mad chosen. And
there, from the example of others, learn
ed valuable lessons of perseverance,. In
its assemblies. we young teachers have list
ened to the good advice and wise teach
ins of our older friends, Knight, Camp
bell, Morrow, and others, and felt our
courage strengthened to go forward and
battle with the difficulties and trials of our
calling.
trust, Mr.. Editor, that the association
''is not dead but sleepeth," soon to be
raised again. 1t has been an institution
of great benefit to the county, and there
is still work for it to do. Monroe has
made much advancement, in education as
well as wealth, within ten years, and much
OF that advancement is due the the inau.
ence of the Teachers association; but she
does not yet stand forth in the manner
mentioned in one Of those quoted resolu-
tions. The work, then, of the association
is not yet done,
know there are a ter, who assert that
! Teachers Associations are humbug, and
that The Monroe Teachers Association did
no good. But l am happy in believing the
number to be rery teo Ifhowever, there
are any entertaining sach opinions, who
are bold enough to publicly, avow them
here is the gauntlet of discussion thrown
at their feet would not speak thus did
not fear, that spirit of opposition, from
scme quarter, has had tendency to put
down the association.
In conclusion, l would ask: car we not
have teachers meeting some place in
Monroe, during the week succeeding
| Christmas? Yours with respect.
PHILO INSTITUTIONS.