Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1888-09-03
OPENING or THE PE0PLEss COLLEGE

Our most Important popular local insti-
tuition has commenced operations for new
year. Our public schools educate the peo-
Piles children, aud the expense of instruc-
ton comes fspm the peoples pockets. Our
public schools and our public library are
the two educational forces land the only
ones) which are exclusively for and from
the people.
1t is. therefore, matter Of great public
concern that the public schools are again in
session. The situation is not particularly
favorable for good work. There is large
popular element that is not pleased with
Superintendent Taylor, and this fact in
itself is unfavorable and unpromising.
There is not harmony in the board, and
probably not the most pleasant relations
between the superintendent and the teach
ers. We shall gain nothing by shutting
our eyes to the facts; neither shall We gain
anything IL we do not determine to make the
very best of the circumstances which exist.
Superintendent Taylor has now large
opportunity for vindicating the wisdom Of
his supporters. II he is what they have
claimed that he is, his duty to them and to
the general public is to show It.
Ii is not necessary for Mr.. Taylor to
prove himself an ideal teacher and manager
He has simply to convince the board and
the people that he is honestly doing his
best, to silence the public clamOr. He
should give the utterances Of the opp0si-
tion courteous attention and utilize every
thing which commends itself to his judg-
ment and conscience, for II Is fact that
this opposition is founded upon honest and
intelligent sentiment and is welded by men
who know good deal about educational
principles and processes. 1t is poor sort
of man who cannot get yaluable points,
even from his enemies.
We are sure that everybody will be glad
if the superintendent shall silence clamor
and even win confidence, by simply doing
his best-not anybody else's best-but his
best. 1t is to the public interest that he
shall do so, and to the extent that he shall
do so, he will receive public commenda-
ton. Mr.. Taylor ought not simply to
aspire to serve out the term of two years to
which he has been elected, but to serve as
superintendent permanently. This is
viewing the matter from his stand
point What grand personal
achievement 1t would be if Mr.. Taylor
should do such good work in the coming
years that he could command the unani-
nous support of the new board for his re-
election! 1t would certainly be laudable
ambition which would prompt him to try
to reach the result.
Then let principals, teachers and pupils
try to 90 their best also. Let each in his
Tor herr sphere, reach for the best possible
results. The position of . public school
teacher is most influential and honorable.
When his work is well and faithfully done,
he is public benefactor. 1t is in his
power, not simply to make students or
scholars, but to make men and women.
This is especially the case if the ''he' is
'she." The pupil is in the formative
period of life and the teacher has the first
chance at him. Were every teacher an
Arnold of Rugby, what grand little men
and women would grow up among us, and
how famous the teacher would be!
The school teacher should understand
that he Tor she) not only occupies a posi-
tion of great usefulness, but one Of great
honor. II any mortal should be proud, 1t
is not the millionaire or the successful poll
tician, but the man or woman who gives
impulses and stimulus to children that push
them in right lines and abide with them for
life. If we should build monuments to
heroes and benefactors, let US build monu
ments TO faithful and efficient school
teachers. Let US erect granite columns to
their honor In our sympathies and hearts.
For it is not alone the boys and girls who
have duty to their teachers, but their
parents as well, and the general public also.
Every citizen should give hearty god
speed to these useful public servants. the
teachers in the public schools. They should
be encouraged. and praised. and well-paid,
according to the merit of their work.