The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-14

schools. When I investigate the indi- vidual cases, I find little grounds for the charge, except in the mind of the child. When boy or girl is wrought to the point of believing that tn teach CT is unjust, 1t is hard to convince him or her to the contrary He sees slight where none is intended, and as far as the effect upon him Is concerned, 1t might as well be true that the teacher has it in for him." (to use the com mon phrase).
 I find two causes for this state of af- fairs. First, the teacher Is not always careful enough in her language and man ner towards the child, when 1t is neces- sary to rebuke punish him. Uncon- sciously she gives the child the impress sion that she does not like him. GAS matter of fact, there are some children that it is almost impossible to like). Second, the parent too often encourages the child to complain of the teacher by listening to him, and even by sharing the childs opinions and criticisng tho teacher before the chld. To remedy thls evil the teacher must be more careful in her remarks and manner and above all, must cultivate for and with the child. She must strive to bring out the best that is in the child. The parent must convince himself that it is contrary to all reason for the teacher to mistreat his child, that the teacher Is working with all her might to make the child better and needs his assistance. He must know that the teacher is above petty spite When cases of this kind have been brought to me I have advised the teacher quietly to be careful. have told the pupil to do his best and raise no dis turbance, and he would find everything all right. As long as he behaved prop erly, he was bound to admit that the teacher treated him fairly.
 The schools of Bessemer have just closed a most prosperous year, and we look forward to even brighter things for the future. During the past season have had the hearty cooperation or the principals and teachers, and in our eff forts to perform our duties, the utmost harmony has prevailed. Whatever of success has been attained in the promo tion and advancement of the school 1n- terest the credit is largely due to the untiring labors of faithful and earnest teachers. I cannot close this, my sixth annual report, without expressing my sin cere thanks to the members of the board of education for the cordial support given me in my efforts to perform the duties of my office Without this efficient and cheerful support my labors would have bene arduous and the result less gratify- ing. JOSEPH M, DllLi'.
 Superintendent of Public Schools.
 Applications for Positions.
 There were eight aplications for the position of teacher of the First grade, made vacant by the recent marriage of one of the teachers, who was before her marriage Miss Lucy Reynolds.
 No action has been taken In the mat ter vet and no selection VII be made un- til the board meets again which will be in two weeks time.
 The following applications are on file with Secretary of the Board ]. A. Lewis; Mrs. D. P. Brown of Bessemer, Miss Eula Smith of Birmingham, Miss Bessie May Brown of Bessemer, Miss Ethel Ragsdale, Ressemer Miss Leona Henderson. Bright on Miss Louise Dresbach, Hefiin, Miss Soffie Williams, Leeds, and Miss Lucy Scarborough of De Armonville