The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1899-03-22

to the conclusion that they have no
interest in US and our wo,k in this
association. Their aims in life do not
rise above self interests. They can
net look beyond self and see that
there is a grander, nobler service
than serving self.
A few teachers say that they can
not receive any benefit from this as
ISOLATION. Is this a reflection upon
the intelligence Of the members OF
this association, or does the remark
come from those who are wise in
their own ~conceits?" Such teachers
fail to remember that united eff)rt
has accomplished many reforms
where Individual effort would have
failed. Admitting that some OF our
teachers have made greater profess
sional progress than we have, does
that excuse them from attending this
association? We will welcome them
here, and while they are giving US
the ben6ts of their superior wisdom
and lnowledg~, we will be silent lis
eners and hearers. But there are
other causes that keep many teachers
from attending this association, and
we must admit them, however dis
creditable to some members of u
profession. Some r making the
dollar their chief consideration; others
are making the profession a stepping
stone to other n 'essions. Such teach
ers are not concerned about profess
sional advancement and progress in
our schools. They are satisfied with
present attachments. The animating
thought Ct becoming a good teacher
never disturbes their brains. Their
highest ambition is to pass the exam
nation. They stand in the way Of
progress in our schools. They do
not recognize the professional duty
they oSe to their fellow teachers,
consequently their seats in this assc~
citation are vacant. These vacant seats
tell US the sad truth that those who
should occupy them have no time to
give to the members of their profess
sion.
We have heard teachers character
ize our public school system as a
farce and a humbug. Every intelli-
gent person will admit that it has
m,ny defects, but no good a come
from calling ugly names. When the
teacher sees that reform is needed,
the only true course is for him to 60
to work and give his influence and
encouragement to the efforts that are
being made for improving the sys-
tenn. He a show his interest and
sincerely by meeting his fellow teach
ers in this association and taking an
active part in the great cause that
calls US together.
The careless, Indifferent, self salts
fed teacher is in part responsible for
a part Of the defects in Jul school
system. They turn a deaf ear to all
our calls for their aid, and discour-
age US by their Indifference.
Before our school system can reach
that state of efficiency that will place
it above the reproach Of the intelli-
gent people there must be reform.
But where shall reform begin, and
who will lead the way? Some would
begin with the teachers, others cay
we must begin at the freside. 1t
makes little difference were We begin,
so we accomplish the desired reform.
Let US az members of this associa-
ton ever labor for each others ad-
vancement and for the lest interest
of the great cause OF education.
And then when we are called upon
to lay down u work we will have
the sweet satisfaction of knowing
that we had an abiding interest in
the welfare of our schools and tried
to do our part in increasing their
efficiency and usefulness.
pal ~ ri HAf n