The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1872-03-21


and archangels as far as we know are no
wiser or better than they always were.
Moth withstanding this very few per-
sons make much improvement. We as
teachers should say 1st. L can and will
improve. Progress is to be able 20 do
more to-day than yesterday. We may
work no harder out be able to work
more skillfully. I'd. l will use all op-
portunlties to gain knowledge. Every
teacher should spend some time in study
BY study we not only gain strength of
mind but can better understand the
difficulties of pupils. All persons find
tirle for that in which they take great
delight. We Should study first, sub
iects of general interest Second, our
profession. Third, our school influences
and surroundings Fourth, we should
study human nature in school, in So
ciety-in individuals. He who spends
we'll all his time aud energy is happiest.
Growth is pleasure, We should spend
some time in writing out thoughts
We may improve by conversation. In
school we should aim to secure the CO.
operation of others.
Music By Prof. Schoening
Moral training by Prof. Cooper, Ad-
journment.
Friday Morning Session.
Prayer by Rev. Levi Little.
Music-Thc Three Calls-by Fannie
Lane and others, followed by exercises
in arithmetic by Prot. Cooper.
RECESS.
Discussion of questiou-Should we
teach grammar from text booksY
Mr.. Balley--We should ignore those
who soar above English grammar. We
have text books aud we consider them
useful.
Mr.. Rock well--If we use no text
books we will have no grammer taught
in our schools AS it is we use books
too much. There is science and an
art of grammar of the English language.
We may teach the art to primary classes
and the science to those more advanced
from a text book making the lessons to
be learned short and the practical ex-
| amples numerous.
Mr.. Hamblen--Ne should teach
grammer from text books because it
preserves unity in our language We
will change the present system of teach
ing grammer when we find it is not
good. We should adhere strictly to the
text book used.
Prof Cooper was then requested to
spend ten minutes in telling how to teach
grammar He said. We should know
how to speak and write so that We will
be Enthusiastically understood. We can
talk but not write without difficulty.
therefore exercises in grammar should
be to a great extent in writing. We may
read a story for the pupils to copy or
give them words from which to con-
struct sentences
The following persons were then
elected as. committee on permanent
certificates: Miss Addie Taylor, Miss
Sophia Coleman. and Messrs. J. B.
Alvord, B. G. Wheeler, and i. D.
Rockwell
The committee on resolutions then
reported and the following were adopted:
We the teachers o! Elk county in
view of the responsibility resting upon
us in molding ard developing the minds
and characters of those committed to
our charge; Of the need of more and
more efficient educational agencies
nG i ~,
instructions and associations Of the
present meeting, which we hope to trans
nit to those under our instructions.
Pesolped. lst That we recognize the
claims upon us OF our country, our pos
terity, and our God and that we will
endeavar to fulfill these claims With all
the efficiency, courage and hope that
within us lies.
2nd That since moral training and
instruction is necessary TO develop the
highest order of men and women, we are
each bound by all that we hope to ac-
complish; by all we shall be accountable
for to keep ever before our pupils the
best moral precepts and examples, and
that all, especially directors, should
recognize in moral purity the first
recommendation Of teacher.
Sd Tha, the dignity of our profession
is not surpassed by that of any other;
that we therefore, glory in our work
and will use all available means 10 render
ourselves worthy of that dignity,
4th That we tender to or respected
County Superintendent our hearty
thanks for the timely opportunity he
has furnished us for this pleasant and
profitable meeting,
5th That to the Intelligence teachers
from neighboring counties we are in
debted for much valuable instruction:
and especially are we grateful to Prof
Cooper of Edinboro Normal School
for his very clear, valuable, and practi-
cal lectures on sclf-improvement, and his
valuable suggestions on the methods of
imparting knowledge and securing in
terest in school
9th That we extond our sincere
thanks to Mr.. Bailey for the use of his
excellent organ; to the Committee on
Music, consisting of Prof. Schoening,
Misses Schram, Lyon, Lane, and Mrs.
Bailey, for the music with which they
have entertained us; also to Revs. H.
A. Pattison and Levi Little for their
assistance in conducting the exercises of