Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-02-11


The committee Of obstruction of the Maine
Teachers Association continued their session,
Saturday morning, ia the Senate chamber, Presi-
dent C1rth,li in the chair.
The subject of The Preparation of Teachers"
was opened by Mr. Thomas fash of Portland,
who spoke Of the necessity of skill ia teachers.
The normal school is the best place for the prepa-
ration Of teachers, bat perhaps too much woi
has been spent upon studies, aud not enough on
the theory Of teaching.
G.. b. Files Of Augusta, cited as ore of the
qualifications Of the successful teacher, laye for
his woik; there l. too much entering the field
simply for pay. The teacher must have his mind
upon the subject, and possess a know edge If the
work in hand; his information must be varied.
aud he ought to he nqui-tiye, aud / ave en-
thu,asm that " II keep bis class well up to the
point Of earnest work Cove nment Is an ele-
meut Vi success. Praise should ne beloved. in
stead Of cen-ure. TIC teacher must not he east Y
II fled disturbed. but there should he the best
OF feeling existing bctNecn himsal and pup !.
{. &. Rounds of Pennington, said that even
now thCle are people who affect to believe that
money VA. uHnpc essarilv eXpe.ded for normal
schools. The state needs education, therefore II
must be willing to rxpcnd money. The education
al C aust IN the constitution was written by IhOm-
as Jefferson. Teachers must either have eXueli-
euce or Instruction ~ The normals. a knowledge
OF methods Is necessary IN all professions; none
more 70 than IN the teachers. True, teachers fan
who have bad the preparation we Insist upon; so
do persons fan IN all Professions aud branches OF
business.
& +. Fletcher Of Cast;ne, said the educational
demand i f. "lIne upon line and precept upon
ptecept." The wealth Of the State does not rest
50 much in the crude form. but upon the mind to
develop it. The force behind i not strong enough
to cause him to act forcibly, becanse the teacher
has not done his duy; there need, To be prepa-
ration. lie did not believe that men are born
poets or teachers we are born A. children, not -
poets or teachers These qualities come by work,
development The scholar should be taught TO
use hs powers: the teacher needs the prcpaiat on
to help the scholar in the development OF bis pow
ers. The mechanic l. required to learn the theory
well Practice. The teacher should come in
contact with other teachers, learn their methods,
ascertain their views, and should have profession
al works in their lbraiies
Rev. MIR. STOW Of Allied expressed his warm
approval of The work of education in the State.
Thought that another normal sch Dol if established,
could be sustained, and would be gteal benefit.
The genera affirmation row at hand for teachers
is quite limited.
Mr.. Mechet EXPIRE s-d desire tAat another
nornIsl school might be established, and that it
could be made successful.
Mr.. fash extended his blanks to the normal
school teachers Tor then work II - always shown
IN toe scholars The wolk Of our Maine Nolmais
j. equal to t, at Of Hnt other state.
Mr.. Rounds aud Mr. Corihcli emphasized the
good work done in the Norma schools.
Mr.. Morris thought that a sup lement to the
course of the high schools would be a benefit; also
advocated a thild normal.
Mr.. Fletcher asked that in case the bill for En-
animation failed, that the teacher, in the STATE
asked that the Superintendent prepare a set OF
questions upou which he could grant state cerlifi-
Gates a il would be an Advantage to those who
teach here OF in any State.
Mr.. Rounds of Pennington said the towns that
have felt the most power Of normal schools are
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