The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1895-11-30
EDUCATION AL.

The State Reading circle for teach
ers is becoming more and more help
full every year. Reading circles are
now part of our educational system
They are putting in the reach o
every progressive teacher the means
through which q higher literary taste
and culture may be attained. The
educational status of number oil
states has made it necessary to intro.
duce special helping courses for those
who are to have charge of the children.
The Teachers Reading circles have
been established by leading educa-
tors who have recognized the impera-
tive need for more professional knowl-
| edge on the part of all classes of
teachers. The average teacher has
been called on to know but little con-
corning professional literature and
much less concerning real living
school room work.
The average teachers examination
does not require that the applicant
should know anything about either
the history or philosophy of educa-
ton.
Zoo much time and attention is
given to mere text book facts. It is
important for the prospective as well
as the actively engaged teacher to be
tested on something about the ma
ture, parts, growth and incentives of
the human mind.
Where is the teacher who will not
be very much stronger as Il teacher,
for having studied the plans and
methods of Socrates, Pestalozzi or
Frnbel?
In the face of such conditions, the
reading circle work was established as
a means through which u broader pro-
fessional spirit might be cultivated.
The splendid choice Of books in the
course for each year is becoming more
inspiring to every reading teacher.
The question has been asked, what
ought teacher to read? He should
read that which will help him most
in his work of instruction. Much
that is helpful and very directive in
its influence is found in the splendid
selection of books in our reading cir
Gle work.
All the information that can be Sc
cured upon the philosophy of child
training and general preparation of
the child's development for the great
sphere Of human activity should be
eagerly sought by the teachers every
where.
Through the reading circle work
teachers enabled to direct their
thought in channels OF work that
come in closer touch with the philos-
ophY of child nature. "To know q
child is next to knowing God"
The Teachers Reading circle is do
ing one thing, viz: Improving teachs'
ers as teachers.
There is a much greater concentra-
tion Of thought on the special work of
teaching than ever before. The teach
ers are coming to appreciate Paul's
motto "This is one thing do"
Every successful individual and or
ganization has recognized the truth
fulness OF this saying from tho time
of Paul to the present and why should
not the teachers recognize it?
Teachers should be reminded fire..
quently that as Charming said
Books are the true Jewelers.. They
give to all who will faithfully use
them, the society and the presence of
the best and greatest of our race. No
matter how poor l am; no matter
though the prosperous of my own
time will not enter my obscure dwell
ing, if learned men and poets will en-
ter and take up their abode under my
roof-if Milton will cross my thresh-
old to sing to me OF Paradise and |
Shakespeare open to me word of i'm
agination and the workings of the hui
man heart and Franklin enrich me
with his practical wisdom,--I shall
not pine for want of intellectual COM
panionship, and I may become a cul-
tivated man." If the teacher reads
good books and treasures up the best
thoughts from them, he can most
truly say: "My mind to me king
dom is."
/ / /
THE TgENTY-FoUR PRESIDENTS.