The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1869-08-26
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TEACHERS AND TEACHING.
No. 5. By FINNEY.

- o. - = A-'-'i@t.
The object of these articles has not been
to instruct Or even TO adcise teachers what
course should be pursued by them in
teaching. But the object has been to
awaken the latent vigor and energy of
the people, in whose hands rests the duty
of hiring good teachers. With that end
in view, it will be understood why, I
have not entered into the nu,nutiae of the
subject. Yet something of the theory,
of teaching ought to be understood BIZ
school boards, and the best time to ascer-
tain the teacher 5 qualifications Is previ-
Gus to his engagement. Some of my
remarks however, have been addressed
to teachers, humbly hoping that a repi-
titlon CT facts well known, would not be
without good effect. [ have for instance
intimated that teachers can not be sue
cessful who do not love their pupils;
point which can not be thoroughly inves-
tigated by school boards until after trial
Too much Importance can not well be at
tached to this point. II this article
should meet the eye of teacher who is
SO very unfortunate as to want, in this
particular respect, and has the good sense
to know it; | would suggest that he may
increase not only his love for his scholars
but increase his appreciation OF the great
moral duties and responsibilities resting
upon him, by remembering aohat it is,
that the public have entrusted to his
keeping. Let him reflect, with what
enthusiastic delight and pride the pa
rents are looking forward to the future of
those little ones entrusted to his care
and yet all Of thas, has been passed over
in trusting confidence to him. Let him
remember that to the parent, these are
the expected solace and delight of age :;
the golden blessing of declining years;
that, in short for which they are toiling,
and laboring. Can he then, with this re-
Election rife in his mind, find it in his ma
ture, not to love and bless them? Again
before taking my leave let me exhort the
public to weigh well each accusation
against their teacher, before giving heed
to it. DO not be too ready to join your
child IN his accusations against his teacher
If you have really spoken slanderously
Of the teacher in the presence of your
child, would advise you to withdraw
him from school at once, for the teacher
will have wholly lost his influence over
him, and he will greatly incline the whole
school to disquietudc. No race of people
(that [ know of are more unanimously
inclined to turn deaf ear TO the accusa-
tions. and ordinations of children, against
their teachers, than Germans-and no
nation has children SO united, and locjng
so JaitlyfuJ and trae as general fact.
In America, amongst Americans, I
grieve to-day, the rule is fearfully there
verse, in all respects. Now I think | can
safely say this without offending my
American friends for they fully concur
with me in this opinion; Yet like the
opium or tobacco user, while they admit
the injury, still, they continue its use.
Now [ have finished my communica-
tons on this subject If they have awak
ened one single thought, which shall! have
beneficial tendency, my labor is fully re-
paid. If any reader ofthe TRIBUNE has
taken the pains to read these articles
through, [ shall thank him for the com
pliment, and hope that good may come
of it, in some form. As the name of the
writer would not add brilliancy or merit
to the article | beg permission, to be al
lowed to suppress it.