The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-02

J. b. -.,
health among teachers; but he called at
tention to the fact that all the causes
exist in equal or greater degree. in other
callings, with far less serious results. The
actual conditions among teachers We're
shown by his figures, in which it was
stated that more people break down be-
fore IS in teaching than in any other Oc
cupation; four years is the average term
of effective service, and the average teach
err reaches his period of greatest useful
ness at SO years. gam .,.@ 81. ~s,,.
|, The "Don't Worry" Cure. Il
Turning to the causes that make teach
ers prematurely old he named the state
of mind that induces constant shop-talk.
This means a worried mind and the speak
er, with scathing sarcasm, proceeded to
attack the position of those who COM
placently advise a teacher to stop worry
ing under existing conditions. To tell a
teacher who is overworked and bound by
memorable conditions to leave the cares
of the school room behind her IS not a
simple remedy-it is idtotic, for 1t is i'm
possible. She must take her work and
care home with her OF lose her position
Mr.. McBroom pointed out that schools
are too large and program demand i'm
possible labor of the teachers. Another
fruitful cause of worry is the necessity OF
trying to follow other peoples ideas. Nag
| ging principals, and supervisors, who want
teachers to have no ideas of their own,
do much to break down teachers. Super
| vision is all right, but more competent
] supervisors are needed - ~ g.. -t5a
| Teachers meetings and professional
| reading were overdone. The teacher has
| studied methods, and could usually be
benefited more by rest, than by attending
a teachers meeting. Meetings should be
l H. 1Oy>o
! fessional reading should not be required.
Let the teacher do what reading she
pleases for recreation; simply insist upon
her doing her work in the classroom
1.-THE great evil, though, is written
work. said Mr.. McBroom. 1T not only
causes the teacher much worry. but the
vast part of it is absolutely useless. Writ
ten work in the classroom or on the board,
which is corrected while the pupil is pres
ent is valuable. He, helps discover his
own mistakes. Written work, however,
that is corrected by the teacher at home,
and returned to the pupil after it Is cold,
and when his attention lis occupied by
other things, is absolutely valueless, and
only drudgery for which there is no ex-
p! scuse.' u $50 = 30 heSF&< azs.1grT "a
! - Too much time is also taken up by re-
ports, and statistics that are practically
| without value. This work should be re-
| duced to minimum. II .'t.-.. S'..>t: = =
| Professor McBroom in his parting shot
paid his respects to the summer school,
saying 1t was an outrage to expect or
require teachers to attend summer schools
that the experienced teacher does not
need. For the pupil just about to begin
teaching he. thought the business col
); lege would serve the purpose Of the sum
mer school in brushing. up and be less
expensive. He advocated a teachers day
!, in each county to give teachers an OPP
portunity to meet and have a good time
Mr.. Tormey DEssents. +. ~ -:
j. A. Tormey of Winona in the discus
sion dissented vigorously from the paper
pronouncing the remedies far worse thai
the disease. ..E.z
1.-THE trouble ISL he said, people fee
that the teachers need only knowledge
3 This is not the case. Teaching is a pro
0 fession and professional training Is
needed. The salvation of the teachers !
= pedagogy. 1t is better to have no schoo
Il than one taught by a callow youth with
out professional training for teaching
Professional reading is right, sumrne
= schools are right. Such things are an In
y SEPARATION and an antidote for worry; The
= give the teacher a better conception 20
4 his work and how to do 1T. s. e
.. What is needed is men trained TO
" teaching. am sorry F. W. Atkinson wa
q sent to the Philippines to establish
= system Of schools there. He has failed
y because he did not have the proper train
ing and experience. I feel that ar
h right about this matter, and / do not wan
il to see this association accept any sue
e views without protest. I advocate pre-
: fessionalsm in teaching" I.
e Dr. w. F. Phelps Of Duluth advocate
n endowment insurance policies and az
e nuity bonds as the best method by Wh1c
d teachers may provide for, their own sell
s support after the close of the wage carr
II: ing period No dependent pension ssy'
a tenn was required, supported by the tai
:, alton Of other persons. The paper We
q discussed by w. A. Shoemaker OF .
- Cloud. who advised teachers to be chal
about investments that promised eno1
nous returns. -
n D. r. Augsburg Of Oakland; Cal, In
d chalk talk showed the analytical tra1nir
Is Of drawing which deals chiefly with u
10 essence of objects and IDEAS
IS An interesting diversion in the midst
81 the discussion was spirited singing
q the state song, which was preceded pY
- - statement from the author, p. p. Ell
o. - worth, Of how he wrote It.