The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1896-05-12
Valuable Paper Read by a Kauai
Teacher.
MUST BE MUCH INTERESTED
Need of Educational Books - Small
salaries Should Not Stand in the
Way-Loyalty Virtue-Benefits in

The following paper on the The
Need of Enthusiasm Among
Teachers was read before the
Kauai Teachers Association by
Mrs. Kelsey, first assistant at
Hanamaulu:
The common use OF the word "enthu-
siasm' is not a wise one. Too often
we say that such person has great
deal of enthusiasm when in reality,
we mean that he is affected by sud
den excitement.
We are coming to give the word a
spasmodic cast which is unworthy OF
it. If we think of it as matter of
principle, steadily maintained with a
continuous interest in that which the
principle represents, we shall come
nearer true meaning of the word.
In teaching as in everything else a
man must employ his mind, if he would
be success. If he has not sufficient in
terest in his work to keep him in the
way of progress he would do the schools
a service by retiring. Not only should
terest in his work and his pupils, but
it is his business to inspire in the latter
a corresponding interest Mere imita-
ton lacks life.
Not long since l asked Seattle teach
er, who has been ten years in the work,
if she did not enjoy watching for pro-
gress and development in her pupils.
oh said she, Il never think of that.
l work for the money that it is in it,"
In a country where so many de-
mands are made upon a teacher, such
an answer might simply mean, Il am
utterly weary" but in this land of
short school hours, light requirements
and generous holidays, it would repre-
sent lazy, unprincipled selfishness.
We are so isolated from external in
fuences of an educational nature that
we need to maintain concientiously
high standard of excellence for our
selves. To gain these suggestions, two
methods are open to us. First, the
study of educational books and periodi-
Gals. Secondly, attendance upon the
teachers meetings and conventions. In
regard to the first, the obstacle lying
foremost in the path of some of us is
expense. Books are expensive of them |
selves and the cost of getting them |
here, even the cost of sending the |
money to pay for them is not slight.
In spite then of our small salaries
believe that it is economy for every |
teacher to take regularly two or three
periodicals, handbooks on
Methods of government, of teaching, of
moral influences and vital growth and
development of pupils, should be ac
simulated gradually, and studied care
ully. Good sense and good judgment
ire necessary in the adoption of new
Methods. Adjustment to conditions
hould be thought out carefully and
of ourselves made thor
ughly, or the work will end in one
'urst of enthusiasm. which has no
oundation on which to rest. Spurts
f this sort are as injurious to the {
chool as careless continuance in one
roove.
Many projects which may be carried
Ito effect in England or America with T
luch profit are worse than useless I
ere. Intelligent comparisons of con- /
itions should be made in adopting t
ew methods We should study the t
resent and probable future of our pu- t
lis, and here more than in most coun- t
les the question of utility needs con- d
deration. So short the time at school. v
inert the intellects of our pupils, it h
worse than useless to lumber I'D our Il