Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1884-10-11
WHAT HAS THE TEACHER TO EN-
COURAGE HIM7


Taking cw,sory view of the pro
tession, it would appear that the
sources of enjoyment, and the OBJ
iects to encourage him are few; but
is this really the case? Is there
nothing to encourage, nothing to
repay HIM for the many weary hours
spent in the school rooms Yes
there is much yet If we consider the
employment only in a pecnniary
point of view, we must say that the
announcements to engage in it are
few in number, and small in amount
The salaries that are generally
paid to teachers, are a proof, that
the most who engage in it see some
thing to encourage them aside from
any pecuniary interests connected
with it; for they are so small in most
cases that we doubt if they would
ever attract any that could find
other employment. From such con
siderations many are no doubt
tempted to complain, and ask them
selves, "Shall |, with talents and
education sufficient to distinguish
myself. waste them, and sacrifice
myself, shut up in the school room.''
To such we would say, if ephemeral
distinction is your only ann, leave
the school-roOm, for it is no place fol-
you. But if you have anything OF
that spirit of devotion to duty, any
impulse within that would lead you
to sacrifice your own good, that you
might in the least degree assist in
raising your fellow-men to their true
standing; then we say you have
much to encourage you. Ii you have
this spirit of self-sacrifice, where can
you find opportunities so manifold
for using it, as In the school-room
There you are surrounded by the
youth of our country, the hope ofour
nations future prosperity; they come
crowding around you ready to receive
any impression that you may give
them. To-day they are children full
of gentleness, and as yet, uncorrupt.
ed by the communicating influences of
the world; tomorrow, as it were,
they are men and women. Will it
be nothing to know that they are
truly suchs Is it no encouragement,
to know, that to you is mitted
for a time, the training of the fathers
aud mothers of the land ?
The shrinking, timid, innocent girl
before you, may be prepared through
your influence, to become the mother
of a second Washington and thus
you may be cheered by the thought
that principles taught her may help
form the character of the future
orator and statesman. Those boys
that greet you daily, are soon to be
Presidents, Legislators, Statesmen,
Orators, Diuines, Laacyers and Au-
hors. The rk-shop, the field, the
public mart, the Editors chair, the
teachers profession, are soon to be
filled by those who are now attend
ing our public schools.
Inspire them with justice, and you
improve human laws; teach them
philanthrophy, and you make true
statesman; teach them to govern
themselves; and you prepare them
to govern Others; instill sound moral
principles, and you elevate the moral
condition Of society. Teach them
habits ofindustry, and perseverance,
and you lay a foundation on which
they may erect their future success,
Is not this enough to encourage the
teacher After considering the
noble work in which he is engaged
may we not say, that he has much
to encourage himg Is not the ambi
ton to possess the heartfelt honor
and respect Of those made wiser and
better by our influence, an honorable
one? Let us prove faithful then, tt
our charge, and to ourselves, and We
may have the satisfaction of looking
back upon a life wellspent. Let us
take courage, then, and we may
have the satisfaction of knowing
that our example, aud influence, may
live long after we shall have been
numbered with those who are gone