The Forrest City times., 1897-08-06
The Duties of Teachers.

tRcre Is no occupation more honorable than that of imparting instruction to the young Since tho glory and greatness of all na. tions ore in proportion to the in- tclligence of its citizens, we see the absolute importance of the cdu- cation of our children, upon whom will soon devolve tho duties of church and state. As a nation, "we must educate or perish." and as this duty is entrusted 10 our teachers, how responsible tho of flee. Comparatively few arc qnaIi. fled for this important position, partly from Il want of proper train ing and a want of fondncss for the work, and partly hccausc they do not select teaching for permanent business. Too many arc teaching as Il makrshift, until something bcdtcr or moro congenial 10 their taste presents itself. do not see why we have so few professional teachers. No occupation is more honorable, and where tho teachers are efficient it ia also remunerative No one should be employed to teach who IS not perfectly compc- tent-that is, intellectually and morally qualified, for he morals of tcacher arc as important as his educational advantages. The state is making strenuous efforts to raise the curriculum in our com mon schools, as well as the stand ard of pedagogy. If we could sc- cure the hearty cooperation of the school directors n happy improve mcnt would soon be perceptiblc. But while they are so indifferent or derelict in their duties, the pro- gross will be slow. The directors, too. often arc influenced by rela- tionshlp or sometimes sheer sym pathy in tho employment of teach CTS, so that the most ineffi cicnt arc employed, and those really competent are set aside. Would il not be good idea for the direc- tors to attend the '"Tcacher, lnsti- tute," and acquaint themselves with the responsibility of their position. If those persons who are dcsirous of making teaching a permanent employment would form separate association. they might ultimately rule out these transients and secure tho more de- sirable schools, and remove the undeserved stigma that rests on school teachers.
 Let all teachers attend our next institute and formulate plans for their common beneht, cultivate pridc for their occupation, and go before the world as "workmen not ashamed" of their calling, and future generations will rise up and call you blessed.
 That the labors of the teachers are irksome and sometimes unpleasant. is readily admitted, for they have the government of children of so many different minds, dispositions and habits, acquired at home, that Il Is no easy task to formulate any set of rnleS that will apply to all. The teacher would du well to ac- quaint himself with the disposi- lion of each pupil, and where klnd- ness will not control them, he will have 10 resort ,o harsher methods. Show no partiality. Be kind, but firm to all. h order to succeed, you must have the respect of the pupils. First learn to govern self and then your school; tortifv your- self against irritabiily. Be an- gry, but sin not," IS as good advice m pedagogy as It K in theology. Remember you are fcrmins char actors which will cling to these pupils through life. raising monu. ments moro lasting than granite and moulding minds that are 10 govern tho world W. II. Paslav. in St. Francis County Democrat.