The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-06-25

Teaching is profession, but the idea
has largely prevailed that it differs
from other professions and that Its
qualifications are less. and more ca silly
acquired. For this reason almost any
person with good character and a
smattcring Ct the recog nized elements
OF learning has been permitted to prac-
tice this profession. More fortunate
persons who have completed courses In
academic institutions Of standing and
have become possessed OF consider
able amount OF subjcct-matter in the
various branches of knowledge. have
been considered exceptionally we'll
qualihed for the work of teaching. The
majority, of teachers have thus enter
ed upon their work with nc profes.
sionai training. that is. no training in
the basal principles CT edaca ton and
methods OF teaching. That some OF
these have achieved success cannot be
disputed; but our Increasing knowledge
OF the development OF mental life and
the general awakenir & OF the public
as to the importance of education, have
called for better and more profes-
sional preparation on the part of those
who would teach. In the not very dis
tant future 1t will probably be impos.
sible for any one to teach In the public
paratton The higher standards de-
manded OF teachers must lead 10 high
er sala ries and a better recognition of
their work in many ways.
General Qualifications.
There are certain generally .recogniz-
ed qualifications of good teacher
Among these may be mentioned charac-
ter. health scholarship. teaching abil-
ity. general culture and professional
spirit Unless teacher possesses
these qualifications in at least fair
failure of teacher is not only disas-
trous to himself. hut also, and in still
greater measure, to the students com
mitted to his ca re. ii
Since the building of character is the
chief aim of every. school, the first aim
in the training of teachers must be the
development Of a strong. noblef sympa- :
thetic, manly or wcmanly character.
The personal influence OF the teacher
is the grea test factor in the education
of youth, hence in the preparation OF
teachers ii is necessary to seek to de-
velop those feelings end inspire those
thoughts which will function in right
conduct throughout life.
Attachments in scholarship and
teaching ability are dependent In large
measure upon physical strength and
Airtuoili from = ulScaSe.-i ~ tleaSlnBt per-
sonality and good disposition. so vital.
Unnecessary to success in school work,
presuppose, good bodily health, For
these reasons. in the training OF teach
ers the physical side must receive care
full attention
Dnsis OF Success.
In every grade OF school work sound
scholar ship is the basis of success The
teachers preparation must be thorough
and as extensive IS possible. The AIM
however. is not to acquire Information
merely for the purpose of knowing but
for the less selfish purpose of, teaching
others what one knows and what one
has eNperieced. In,ltre training of the
teacher. at attitude to all studies
should be ono of thinking and knowing
rather, than of, mere acquisition one OF
interest and appreciation rather than
of formal performances of e assigned
ia SKIS
In order tn at the teacher may, be an
!. efficient wv orker,3 Using time to the best
advantage and producing maximum re-.
suits, 4 professional training Is neces-
serS,& Thnt3is. sthe5 teacher must know
how to organize and fmanlpulate the
materia which has been gained in the
course Of his preparation, and how. to
present II in the most effective manner
TO his nupils in accord with the laws
OF mental and social development. III
IT necessary not only to know the sub.
itectt to- hes tausht, but also the nature
Sud manner OF mental growth Of the