Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-04-13
SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS.
Orland's Superintendent of Schools
Gives Some Useful Hints,

Orland's Superintendent of Schools
Gives Some Useful Hints.
F. w. Gross, superintendent of schools
In Orland, in his annual report gives some
"suggestions to teachers" which deserve a
wider reading than the small number of
instructors to whom it is addressed. THE
AMERICAN therefore reprints it:
Grasp and hold the idea that a teacher of
youth is at work on II soil of very interesting
mold, you cannot know too much concerning
the laws upon which the growth and proper de-
velopment of the tender mind of child de.
pend study this subject carefully; read some
good authors on mental philosophy. Don't for.
get that the children under your care have
hearts, moral natures. that beneath the rough
exterior there doubtless gems which by the
kindly teachers magic touch, may be made to
shine As the stars forever and ever.
BE a student of moral science. Teach YOUR
pupils the art of good behavior and courteous
department in the different conditions and rela
tons of Iife BE familiar with the rules of good
society in this direction. Something may be
Judged of the refined taste OF Il teacher by the
appearance of her =choot.rnom. See that ii is
kept neat and clean, male sweet and heathf II
articles of clothing removed by the pupils he
hung on proper hooks aud not allowed to lie on
the floor or seats.
Pictures are cheap now a-days. You certain
~ can have at least few, to improve your
~chool.ruum. In the summer time don't forget
the Hover; your puri- will love to bring them
TO you. The whole atmosphere of your school
room will be made -weeter and purer by their
u6upprp II trnpJ nn
copiou- knowledge; the shallow fountain ein
not emit II vigorous stream
You should he we'll Informed in the
branches Won attempt 10 teach and in the best
methods OF imparting Your knowledge, that if
the textbooks were removed you could still
teach il good school in most of the branches.
Water never rises above it, source. Have cor
rect ideas a. to the character of "A ir-t class
school, ant compare yours with what it will
he when il becomes Il model one.
Make reaching lour principal hu-iue-s
Have te'chcr- library, frequently adding Il
new book relating IN YOUR work. There is no
limit to the amouut of ability which can be put
Into the work of teaching. 1t i eNtrrm " in.
torr-riog to and hear an ahle instructor
when engaged in his work. 1t Is unfortunate
that few teacher have an intelligent conccp
scllool-house and outbuilellug-, the neatly kept
and attractive yard, the cleanly condition and
fine appearance of the school room, furnished
with dictionary, gazetteer and other books OF
reference with globe, maps, charts, geomerr
cal forms. drawing instruments suitable for its
needs IA micro scope for the examination of
thousands of natures beautiful objects, and
other appliances which make up the formation
of 81 we'll ,.,uNhIpl sphnu1 a MI for
thing and everything where it should he, with
still look new and bright.
The atmosphere of the room Is kent sweet
pure and of the proper temperature 10y correct
ventilation. The pupils are classed, not accord
ing TO age or size, and not allowed to be in the
fifth reader, large geography and higher arith
metie, because they. some of their friends,
wish request it, but according to the eternal
laws of fitness, each pupil getting the largest
returns in acquired knowledge and mental cul-
ture for the outlay involved; and. when thus
cla-sed. instructed and disciplined by teacher
having copious knowledge, understanding
what is meant by first, second, third and the
higher grades, and in whose hands the school
apparatus and appliances will be made to pay
their cost in one term-a teacher into whose
care it is entirely safe to intrust the moral in
tellectual and physical culture of children
such school and such an instructor. teachers,
you should have in mind and bring the school
under your care near to 1t as possible.
Read the reports of Hon. w. W. Stetson. State
superintendent of public schools. They are
models of their kind, full of information, stat
ing in strong English some of the glazing de
fects of the rural schools of the State, by which
he says at least 5000 900 of the school money is
worse than wasted every year. Be sure to read
carefully the Course of Study for the Eemen-
tary schools of Maine, prepared by Mr.. stet-
son. and every other pamphlet and circular sent
you.
Don't be discouraged. If you have the spirit
of the true teacher. and push enough, success IS
assured Work, persistent diligent inquiry re
gariing the different matters relative to your
calling, is absolutely necessary. You can be
good teacher of English grammar II you are not
Il rhetOrician, teach reading, and not be an elo
cutionist; give instructions in geography, when
perhaps your knowledge of the subject, In all
Its bearings, does not embrace one-tenth of 1t.
We think no branch in our common schools,
when well taught, requires higher order OF
ability and draws more largely on the resources
of the teacher than geography. Y GU can teach
efficiently all the arithmetic needed in the com
mon school and know scarcely anything OF
mathematical science; give some Interesting IN
-tructions in the different branches of natural
hi-toryIff you are not a botanist, ornithologist,
mineralogist or zoologist.
And 50 OF all the work in your school You
are at the threshold, are to start the little immor
tails in the ways of wisdom and knowledge.
yourselves on the young Of the age in which you
live, and live again in the age which succeeds
you.