Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1875-05-06

edge acquired and renders it subservi-
ent to its possessor. This faculty may
be improved by application in practical
use, until the most indifferent beginner
may become successful instructor Of
youth.
The ready use Of knowledge, such as
will render the teacher successful in the
performance of his labors, is best ac-
quired by practice and experience; prac-
tice and experience not only in the
school room, but in association with
those who are engaged in the same inn
portant work. This remark may not
be appreciated by those who have ney-
err left their school room to meet ia
council with their fellow-teachers for
the purposes Of mutual Improvement =
Nor viii it be,segarded by those who
have such conceit Of their capabilities
as to imagine they cannot be improved
by the counsel and experience that pro-
fessional association affords. (I have
been told that the conceit Of knowledge
is the worst kind Of ignorance, and he
who exhibits bis conceit, even in the
knowledge he possesses, is not to be re-
garded as wise man,
The teacher that buries himself in
bis school room will not be expected by
persons of practical experience TO ex-
hibit his intelligence outside Of it,
What he does inside of il they have but
little opportunity Of knowing; but in
many cases they strongly suspect that
that there is more knowledge concealed
in the textbooks than is ever disclosed
TO his pupils. A still tongue may dis
close wise head, even ON teacher
but he that never energies from school
room, for fear he viii be obliged TO
open his mouth in the presence Of his
brethren Of the profession, win not be
likely to obtain their esteem as valu-
able member society.
But irrespective Of these personal al
lusions, / believe it is expected Of teach
ers that they will freely associate with
each other and with society, and that they
will make use Of every opportunity Of
rendering themselves useful in both re-
lations. As persons Of superior intel
hgence, the community has claims upon
us which are not met in the perform
ance Of our professional engagements
And our profession has claims upon us
which can only be satisfied with the
contribution of our full share Of service
aud character in its advancement.
The association Of teachers With each
other, and for mutual improvement aud
for the better working Of the system,
is indispensable, aud feel confident the
teachers Of association so consider il,
from the Iact that VIC laws vpluntan.
ly organized associations, which oper.
ate in friendly communion for our own
improvement aud pleasure, as well as
for the purpose Of producing progress
in our professional pursuits. In addi-
ton 10 the personal benefit we derive in
our association, and the advantages Sc
cured for the profession and for the
system Of instruction in which we are
engaged, the enjoyment afforded Of So
cial and professional intercourse affords
an ample remuneration for all the out
lay Of service required to secure il.
When we are engaged in pleasant as
ISOLATION. and in pursuit Of knowledge,
It may then be regarded as a means Of
enjoyment; and it is impossible that we
can obtain this desirable advantage in
any other way as successfully as in as
ISOLATION with those from whom IL is 10
be derived, and in listening TO the de.
tail Of our experience. II is alike the
evidence and prerogative Of true wisdom
TO bring all its agencies 20 bear in the
working out Of its purpose; and there
is no department Of life in which it is
more necessary than that in which we
preparing for the assumption Of the OBJ
legation and performances Of the du-
ties Of the school room.
G..