Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1876-01-14
Buchanan County Teachers Associa.
ton.

President Parker in the chair
After music, prayer was offered by
Rev. L. w. Brintnall.
Rev. Mr.. Marsh then gave an ex-
cellent address on the subject of
"Teachiag, as a Profession"
Like the old Geographers' division
of the earth Europe, Asia and Afri-
ca-so, at the present time, all the
professions are embraced in those of
law, medicine an theology. 1t is
time for another profession. There
is something in a name. NJ. d., and
other titles carry with them their re-
spective influences. No less would
be the advantages in the teachers
work, if it stood on level with the
other professions. How can this be
accomplished?
l. The teachers themselves must
raise the standing. Many engage in
it as step to something else, making
it temporary occupation. Ills true
the inducement is poor-the pay IS
small. But if all "ill soon abandon
it, they must accept it rs it is, and
work away. Money is not the only
consideration. Its rewards are not
received in dollars and cents; it is
the work of the Philanthropist, Pa
triot and Christian. No higher re-
ward is given to man than that of
laboring for the elevation Of his fell
low-men. The true teacher is one
who makes men; and he who does
his best and regards teaching as a
life-work, will reverence it more and
more. Cease to be apprentices and
become workmen, for there is ''room
up stairs"
2. The people should be taught
that talent and ability are required.
The opinion is prevalent that any
body can teach, but it requires ge-
MUS, tact and broad culture. People
will be led to appreciate you by the
fruits of your own labors.
8. Esprit de corps will bring you
popular recognition, perfect your or
ganization and provoke friendly
cooperation. The results from this
appreciation will be first, greater eff
fciency in teaching. Second, it will
signify something to be a teacher.
The people will have learned to
accord to him true estimation of
his abilities. Third, it will tend to
increase pay. When the people once
learn what aptitude is required IN the
teacher, then they will pay more, and
many will he induced to enter it rs 4
life-work. But you will have one
thipg to contend against, the short.
sightedness of those who hire you.
4. TO make teaching a profession
will increase the moral power of
teachers. The people will come to
know that he knows better than they,
and when the teachers profession
will be ceH established, then its
blessings will be secure.
Discussion of address.
Mr.. Graydon thought that one rea-
son why the teachers work was so
little appreciated is, that the people
do not see itslimmediate results, rs
in the case of the Physician or Law
yer; but that the results are necessa-
rily deferred and of slow operation.
The chief end of teaching should be
the development of character, and
this is seen sometime aftcrward.
Though seen in examinations, when Il
knowledge Of facts is exhibited, yet
perhaps this is not the best test OF
teaching, but more important to give
a taste and desire for study.
Mr.. Brintnall-It does not strictly
follow that one must be virtuo and
all that to be teacher, for bad men
may be te,chers; nor will exaltlng
the profession make teachers better.
Nowadays every pretender writes