The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-07-08
Note. and Thoash.. of Supervisor.

Notes and Theughts of u Supervisor.
To the Editor Of the Press:
I arrived in Boothbay June 14th, immsdi
ately called on the experimenting School,
Committee, and proceeded, in company with
one of their number, to the school-room. The
committee, who are gentlemen of high social
and professional standing, entertained me with
much courtesy, showed me much kindness,
and some one Of their number accompanied
me in all but two of my visits. each one in turn
devoting his time to the business Their con-
slant attendance was source of great pleas
ure to me, and, doubt not, of profit to their
schools, after whose interests and welfare they
are carefully looking. Most Of the schools are
under very good control, and the teachers are
devoting themselves to their task, "rearing the
tender thought, teaching the young idea,'
with commendable devotion. Some OF these
teachers bring with them the advantage of sew
eral years experience, which, to an inte lligent
and progressive mini. gives power and SKILL
Some are Jealous and hC,seiul; more enthusi-
asm in some cases would enis ven and benefit
the school, Earnestness is an elem.sut so es-
sential to good teacher that we would eave
none without it We love to see an earnest
person in any business; it is the precursor of
success. An earnest man must succeed; an
earnest teacher scW succeed, and, other things
being equal, will excel. Not only should the
teacher be earnest, but cheerful in all the labor
Of the school-reom We see no reason why
teachers should assume solemnty amounting
to sadness, as if their last earthly friend had
departed and they were mourning their loss.
Children want to be cheered on with their
tasks, and encouraged with words of kindness
and looks of love. There is something in their
very natures that responds to kindness. Teach
ers, if this has not been your practice, then we
entreat you to right about face, aud hereafter
let cheerfulness beam out upon every feature
and adorn every act.
The larger part of the teachers arc citizens
of the town; several of them are quite young
and, believe, with good professional train
ing, would become very fine teachers indeed.
A few from other towns are displaying good
native talent and love for their work. We
believe their schools are deriving much benefit
from their instruction. The teachers failed to
meet me on Saturday. several of them being
engaged at picnic in another part of the
town. shall eRdeavor to meet them at a fu-
ture day.
As it is expected that the schools will all un-
dergo thorough examination by the commit
tee, we hope teachers as well as pupils will
bear it in mind, and not allow their classes to
pass specifically over any of their work.
There is one great evil and serious hindr ance
to progress in these schools, which we wish to
speak Of. Many scholars are sent to school
with books entirely unfit for them to use
Books of lower grade ought to be furnished
them. We suggest that parents would do
well to allow the committee to direct in this
matter and give pupils such books as are best
adapted to their capacities. We would not
leave this in the hands of the teach ers, for
teachers sometimes have the same purblind
ambition that children and parents possess in
this matter. This is an evil that ought to be
corrected, and the whole matter should be left
entirely under the control Of the committee.
A book that is so far above the capacities of
the child as to discourage him induces idle
ness and dislike for school, both of which 1t
should be our constant study and endeavor to
avoid. d. s. GLmDEN.