Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-08-20
THE BELMONT COUNTY IN
STITUTE.

How the School Masters are In
structed-An Intelligent Look
ing Body-Attendance Increas-
ing-Compliment to Commits
siOner Burns.
The opening devotional exercises were
conducted by Hon. j. j. Burns, after
which he gave talk on the school law
of Ohio, explaining how the districts
and sub-districts were organized. In
the afternoon he resumed the same SUBJ
iect, especially in its bearing upon con-
tracts, and answered many questions
put TO him by the teachers. The second
morning lesson was given by w. ID.
Henkle, explaining comparison OF adj
iectives. The common rules oil The
grammars in regard to this matter are
erroneous. We may correctly use the
superlative with only two objects.
In other points concerning comparison
the grammars are in error. The com
paratiye and superlative forms do not
necessarily imply greater or less de-
grees OF the quality as is commonly
taught.
DR.. f. f. White gave further instruc-
ton ON the art OF teaching. His instruc-
tons are eminently practical. In the
afternoon he continued the same sub
ject.
Mr.. Henkle set forth a very simple
method of teaching the notation OF deci-
NAL fractions. 1t differed from the ar
ithmetical method as usually taught,
and is much superior, but would require
too much space TO explain here.
DR.. White in his last lecture took oc-
casion to refer to Commissioner Burns
in most complimentary terms. This
coming from the source it did, means
something, for the gentleman who gave
il does not indulge in empty compli-
ment.
Mr.. Burns lecture in the evening, on
"The Schoolmaster," vas an interesting
and able address. He opened by quota
tons from old writers, poets especially,
describing their ideal schoolmasters.
Next he gave brief, biographical sketch
es of noted teachers OF the world, such
as Pestalozzi, Arnold, OF Rugby, and
others. A humorous poem, des-
cribing school ma'am of the
olden time was we'll recited. Education
does not belong entirely to the school
master; vet the teachers influence by
word and deed is felt for life in his pu'
pills, and he must possess qualities which
secure success. Some OF these qualfi'
cations the speaker stated as follows:
| First, he must procure certificate. lie
must also make and keep accurate rec
ords and reports of his school. Hemust
comply with the rules and regulations
of his directors when they do not
conflict with right and principle. The
teacher must also know the true end Of
education, which is TO develop and cul'
tivate all the powers of mind and body Of
| his pupils. He must have enthusiasm
| i'm his work and must enthuSe others,
| A true teacher must also have an inter
est i'm his profession and have some pro
iessional pride. His stock of patience
must be well nigh inexhaustible. Intel
lectual attainments of high order mus
be his. He must have ripe scholarship
To be able to put himself, in mind, in
the place of his pupils and see then
duties through their eyes, is another de
sirable quality. 1t is a moral duty tina
the teacher owes himself to keep good
health and have a sound mind in &
sound body. He must love his work
not only for the money it brings, but fol
itself. A teacher must have true idea
of his work in order to carry 1t out well
His language must be pure and good
This topic was elucidated at length.
The rewards of the teachers profes
sion are not to be sighted. First o
these is the happiness of we'll doing
Second, the advantages of personal cul
ture. That teachers seldom grow rict
is trifing drawback. The work OF thu
teahcer in training souls for time anC
eternity is the noblest of all professions
Miss Susie Howell, of Bridgeport
sang a beautiful solo, as it well will
the soul?" at the opening of the evening
session. Two other pieces were sung
under the leadership Of Professor Soho
field.
The attendance is constantly increas
ing and the interest and attention TO thu
lectures unusually good.