Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1877-03-08
EDUCATIONAL.

EDUCATIONAL.
Mower County Teachcrs' Association.
The fourth regular meeting of the as
sociating was held at the graded school
building In Austin on the Gath ult. The
bad state of the roads made it difficult for
several members, having parts assigned,
to be present at the appointed hour for
opening the exercises, and prevented
several others from putting in their ap.
pcarance during the day. There was,
however, very fair attendance Of the
faithful ones, whose hearts are in the work,
and who are determined to make the as
sociation success, would that all the
teachers of the country might catch the
same spirit, and the meeting was called
to order by Prof. Bigclow about half past
eleven O'Clock, and adjourned till one r. NJ.
On coming together at this hour, many
tardy ones made their appearance, and
the work Of the day commenced. The
formal opening exercises consisted Of
singing by the association and prayer by
the President. Tic Secretary being ab-
sent, Miss Florence Brown was appointed
Secretary pro tenn. Superintendent Hol-
brook then suggested that, as the object
Of the association was mutual improve
ment, it might be we'll 10 appoint critic
to note all errors in pronunciation and
grammar, made by the speakers, and to
read and give the correction Of the same
some time previous to the adjournment.
Miss Shultcs aud Miss Dow were appoint
ell to act in this capacity. a reporter for
the county papers was also appointed in
accordance will, vote passed at the
meeting IN Brownsville. The association
then listened to an opening address by
his strong personal interest in the associa-
ton, the benefit its meetings had already
been to him and would he to every regular
attendant, aud showed how, and how,
only, it could be made success, and so
accomplish the work for which it was
organized. He urged regular attendance.
his imperative duty to attend the meetings
regularly, and come prepared to perform
the duty assigned TO him. No obstacle
that would not keep him from other duties
under like circumstances, should keep
him away from the meetings OF the associ-
alton. His remarks received the earnest
and hearty approval Of every member
present
Superintendent llolbrook, in his in
structions to teachers. spoke Of their great
responsibility, and Of the careful prepare.
ton necessary to qualify them for their
work. lie said too many teachers fail to
realize the true dignity Of their position
and hence fail to qualify themselves for
the proper discharge Of their high and
responsible duties. The object Of his re-
marks was to awaken q greater degree OF
interest in this direction, on the part OF
teachers, and to suggest motives to faith
full, conscientious labor, purer, noLlcr
vastly higher, than any merccnary consid
erations.
After defining education and showing
what it involves, lie alluded to the i'm
pressable and plastic material on which
the teacher performs his work, and said
that nothing but the ccascless flight O
eternal years can measure the good or il
effects Of the impressions made on thu
minds of his pupils, aud finally summed
up all his suggestions on this point in thu
following solemn and impressive Ian qua g
Of the poet:
ooh! let not. then. unsEillful hands attempt
To play the harp, whose tones, whose living
tones
Are left forever in the strings
The high standard for the teacher i:
quite in contrast with the grovelng ideas
of those who teach simply for wages il
dollars and cents, for the position it give
them, or for comfortable way ofearnin:
something during our stormy winters, ant
should lead every one to examine himscl
both as to his motives and qualifications
and to inquire in all sincerity and. earnest
ness, am I, oh. am ''sufiicicnt for thes.
things:" Have the requisite qualifica
tons? But, as an incentive to make al
effort to reach the standard, to never give
up till thoroughly qualified and inspired
and actuated by the highest motives, til,
superintendent very briefly but clearl,
portrayed the rich reward both prescn
and future, Of the faithful, conscientious
and successful teacher His remarks wcr
both interesting, profitable and inspiring
and every teacher should be lifted by then
to higher plane Of thought and action
The association next listened to a dec
iamation by E. P. Rand, on the subject o
temperance. 1t was good, both in styl
Of composition and delivery.
Professor Bigelow then made some valu
able suggestions on the subject Of gran,
mar. lie showed his method of treating
verbs and participates. The Professor step
ped little out ofthe beaten track of man,
teachers, his new ideas together with hi
skillful use of the crayon and blackboard
invested the subject with unusual interel
est. 1t is hoped that his suggestions will
provoke thought, and lead teachers t,
search the most reliable authorities on tn
subject to see if the Professor is not in tn
right in his new departure in grammar
The essay by Sherman Glow was tn
utterance Of experience; and it contained
valuable suggestions for the benefit 0
younger teachers.
The inexhaustable subject of schoo
, management was next taken up, and tn
f discussion was confined to the teacher
work in the organization ofhis school AM
! tho insirnct;o, NJ hia cloccoc Tho ho1