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

p, II = r. , e .
health among teachers; but he called at;
tention to the fact that ali the causes
exist in equal or greater degree. in other
callings, with far less serious results. The
actual conditions among teachers were
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
er reaches his period of grea test useful
ness at 33 years. III -. - 81 -s:s.
The "Don't Worry" Cure.
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
simple remedy-it is idiotic, for 1t Is i'm
possible She must take her work and
care home with her or 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. = ....',- 9..t
Teachers meetings and professional
reading were overdone.5 The teacher has
studied methods, and could usually be
benefited more by rest, than by attending
a teachers meeting. Meetings should be
held only when they are necessary. Pro
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-
cuse.' Il ~, 4 sIU f,e,Fs-z 3sit.s.fs@3 .ts
. Too much time is also taken up by re-
ports, and statistics that are practically
without value. This work should be re-
duced to a minimum. Il u &r...: .-.''
Professor McBroom in his parting shot
|
saying it 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 op.
portunity to meet and have a good time
MIR. Tormey DIssents.
T. A. Tormey of Winona in the discus
sion dissented vigorously from the paper
pronouncing the remedies far worse thai
the disease. ..-...'. j. ~.
1.-THE trouble isl he said, ''people fee
that the teachers need only knowledge
This is not the case. Teaching is a pro
D fession and professional training Il
needed. The salvation of the teachers
= pedagogy. 1t is better to have no schoc
Il than one taught by callow youth with
out professional training for teaching
Professional reading is right, sunme
schools are right. Such things are an In
y spiration and an antidote for worry, The
u give the teacher a better conception C
\ his work and how to do#it. / =
:, What is needed is men trained fo
v teaching. am sorry F. W. Atkinson wa
e sent to the Philippines to establish
AS'AAO>
" because he did not have the proper trafr
ing and experience. 1 feel that | al
h right about this matter, and do not wal
Ii to see this association accept any sue
e views without a protest. advocate PR
J. fessionalism in teaching" =" vs. # 4
re DR.. w. F. Phelps Of Duluth advocate
n endowment insurance policies and al
e nuity bonds as the best method by Wh1e
d teachers may provide for. their own sci
IS support after the close of the wage ear
IT. ing period No dependent pension sy
al tenn was required supported by the Ia:
=, alton of other persons. The paper W;
"a discussed by w. A. Shoemaker OF
:. cloud. who advised teachers to be cha
e about investments that promised emo
nous returns.
D. r. Augsburg Of Oakland; Cal, In
ID chalk talk showed the analytical tram,
Is Of drawing which deals cherry Win Z
10 essence of objects and Ideas:
es An interesting diversion in the midst
81 the discussion was spirited singing
e the state song, which was preceded oy
OF sta tement from the author, E. E. Ell
o. - worth. of how he wrote 1t.