The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1900-05-25
How do the Teachers Social Relations
Affect the Public's Estimation of Him.

How do the Teachers Social Relations
Affect the Publics Estimation of Him.
Paper read by Mark d. Grout before
the Local Teachers Association at
Perry, April 28.)
Teaching school is science as we'll as
an art.
The individual who enters the pro-
fession of teaching with the purpose of
obtaining mental advancement for him
self as well as his pupils, is on the high
road to scientific discovery. But the
one whose greatest aim Is the securing
OF more remunerative position is on
the by-path to scientific degeneration.
A better position comes with scientific
advancement, not scientific advance
ment with better position. One is
too prone to look forward to better OPP
portunities for progression with bet
ter situation, while If they had their
eyes open as wide for opportunities in
their present position as it would be
necessary for them to be in their covet-
ed station, they would find just the op-
portunities which they are so DESTROYS
of securing.
To be liked by all or nearly all the
patrons of district is not always a
sure indication of being good teacher.
The parent who listens with credulous
ear to every complaint and ill report is
sure to have fault to find with the
teacher. The parent who will not be-
lieve every petty complaint that is
borne to his ears, but keeps watch of
the progress made by the, child, will
have some word of praise for the in.
structor.
A patron can not understand the
workings of school till he is acquaint-
ed with the teacher. No teacher can
expect the hearty cooperation of the
district till he has personally met and
had conversation with the patrons
The child is not fully understood till it's
parents are studied. for the child is but
reflection of the parents.
No better and more desirable oppor-
tunities for this kind of study can be
found than in society. But it must be
borne in mind that one is in society not
only at social and public gatherings,
but whenever he comes in contact with
another. Always have a bow and a
word for everyone whom you meet on
the street. If there is one thing that
will leave bad impression more than
another, it is to be so foolishly dignified
as to make it impossible to speak when
on the street.
These questions arise: How is person
to arrange his social relations to the
greatest advantage to himself and to
the district? Does it make any differ
ence what the public thinks of him so
long as he thinks he is doing his duty?
Does it make any difference with the
pupils estimation of him what the pub
lie thinks--do they react upon each
other?
The first question l will not attempt
to answer Each individual case has
certain phases which can be understood
only by the individual interested. Each
teacher has certain personalities which
would unfit him to act as any one else
would. Only be yourself. Do not try
to please everybody by practicing what
we commonly call policy. Have but
one face and do not try to hide it. Be
natural
To the second question / would an
swer, yes. If the teacher is liked as
man or woman by the district, in 80 per
cent of the cases will give satisfac-
ton, even though he is not first
class teacher. While on the other
hand, a teacher whose social relations
are distasteful to the community will
not give satisfaction, even though he
be perfection in the school room.
l have in mind teacher who attend
ed dances and card parties. She was
what might be called coquette. Most
of the district took sides against her.
Her social relations were antagonistic
to the ideals of her employers. 1t is
needless to say that she was not hired
for the next year, although the COM
missioner could find no fault with her
work In the school room. | also have
in mind teachers whose education was
not SO good and whose mental faculties
were not of so high an order as the one
just referred to, but whose social rela.
tons were in accordance with the ideas
of their patrons. Is it necessary to say
that they were not victims of the ''rota-
ton in office" principles
A teacher can not please everybody.
| think one should have clear concep-
ton of what is right, and then do it.
No one can dictate to your conscience.
Do not let them. If you cannot suit the
district without bending your con-
science and standard of right, get out.
In answer to the third question,
docs it make any difference with
the pupils estimation of him. what the
public thinks?" would answer, yes.
The pupil will very easily, and usually
oladlv nick nm anv III fealino that IL