The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1901-04-05
TO THI; SCHOOL TEACHERS

state lpSrlntendeGs Gt Education
Jno. j. McMahan, writes circular
letter to The County Superintendent
of Education. He says:
The Summer Schools are OF more
importance this year than ever be-
fore, because Of the newly adopted
text books which the teachers will b.
called upon 10 teach when the schools
open again. instruction will ~
given with special reference to certain
OF these books which in their upi"-
date method may present some d't!i-
culties to some teachers. have
succeeded in obtaining from the uh-
fishers special concession by which
the teachers who attend the Summer
Schools can provide themselves with
desk copies Of these books for less
than half the Wholesale price 10 deal
ers. 1t is depiorable fact that
large number Of teachers do not own
and have never studied the books
which they go through the form of
teaching. They hear lessons which
| they have not prepared or given any
thought to. Vet the best teachers
feel that they must give hours Of
daily study 10 the preparation Of even
the most elementary lessons which
they are to teach well.
We should try this year to get the
teachers to own their school books
and to study them thoroughly. Then
will the teaching in The country
schools be greatly improved"
This hits the nail squarely on the
head. A teacher cannot successfully
teach unless he or she is thoroughly
| posted on the lesson or study being
taught, it may be that teacher
sometimes fails to explain an intri-
cate. lesson, or some point to the salts
faction and understanding OF the
| pupil because he himself is not post ed
on the lesson. This will SON cause
the scholar to lose coniIo! ce IL The
teachers ability. The teacher should
thoroughly post himself regarding
the lessons he is to "hear," and be
ever ready to correct the child and
set it right. when he discovers
that the child does not understand
the lesson and is stumbling along in
the dark. When child does not
understand lesson or the rules gov
erning a problem, it is the teacher 5
business to explain and unravel the
llnotty portion until he is satisfied
that the pupil thoroughly under
stands what he is doing and iG is allie
to proceed intelligently with the
study. 1t may require great deal
OF patience sometimes upon the part
OF the teacher, but that is what the
teacher is paid to do, and that is what
is required Of him by the patrons OF
the school and while he may sweat over
his effort to bring the pupil around
to a correct understanding, when he
has done so he has gained great
victory he has established confidence
in that child's young mind that can
not be shaken, every child loves a
painstaking teacher. 1t will not do
tn? outside for the help necessary FOR
Il correct understanding OF his studies.
\ teacher should always remember
that he has a grave responsibility
resting upon his shoulders, that these
young minds are as plant clay in his
hands, he is the moulder, and he
cannot be too careful TO do his work
well. When he, by his earnest, pa
tient and painstaking efforts, has
gained the confidence, respect and
esteem Of his pupils, he has gained
no mean victory, he is o king over
his flock, his work is then pleasure
instead OF burden, and his influence
will play an important part In the
lives whose characters lie has helps Il
to mould, long after they have passed
from the narrow confines OF the walls
OF his school room. Then leave 10
stone unturned nor shrink from the
labor involved In an earnest effort to
render the children ali the help Ia
your power in a correct understand.
ing OF the problems they are endelv
oring to master while In your charge.
To do this successfully it Ia necessary
10 iisst perfect yourself