The Cordova daily times., 1920-01-24
The Parent eacher Association

The first question is answered by the name of the organization. It is just what the name suggests-an as sociation of parents and teachers for
 the bettering of their one great source of common interest-the chill dren in the public school. A local or ganization such as we propose to es- tablish in Cordova can and should affiliate with the National Congress
 of Mothers and Parent-Teache Asso-
 ciations," and be in position to bene-
 fit by all the literature and helps is
 sued by the national organization.
 As to the one great aim to be ac-
 complished, we have already stated
 that as the betterment of our chil- d-en How this may be accomplished
 admits of many answers.
 The ordinary citizen of today is un- have been made in perfecting a ra- sional theory of education and in adapting that theory to the needs of the young. He does not know per haps, that his child's school in it's aims and methods is diametrically op- posed to that which he attended as a boy. The discussions in a Parent Teacher Association should bring to the consciousness of people ill the community the greatness and many sidedness of education in general, and the bearing which it has upon the wei fare of their children.
 In so far as parents become ac auainted with the teachers, a mutual respect and sympathy is secured which permits the home and school to work in harmony Under such condi tions, if difficult questions arise, it is easy for parent and teacher to come into conference and to bring about an amicable settlement. Long experience in public school work has taught me that the vast majority of parents are truly sympathetic, and are willing and anxious to cooperate with the teach CTS in every possible way, though in some cases they may need to be shown how.
 Whatever kindly sentiments toward school and teachers exist in the home are reflected in the attitude of the children; and the pride which they take in the school, and the respect and love which they feel for their teachers, go far to determine the qualities of the work which they ac-I complish Moreover nothing sol stimulates the teacher and calls forth his best endeavors as to hear frequent words of approval and commendation from the parents of his pupils. A properly organized and conducted Parent-Teacher Association creates an atmosphere. in the town favorable 4o good schools and to enthusiastic l teaching
 Teaching at best is far more wear l ing to the nerves than anyone can imagine who has never engaged in It. Under modern conditions, when so many burdens have been placed upon the school, teachers need and are en- titled to the heartiest support and en- People seldom criticize harshly any undertaking which they have come to understand, even though they may differ in their views about it. A Parent Teacher Association helps its members to better under stand the subtleties of modern teach ing and thus does away largely with he fault-fnding and backbiting so de- 'tructive of the courage and amp1tlon # the teacher, often undermining ,salth and strength. Teachers WhOh pceiVe only klnu dClS ol hoipioiAooS md generosity from the parents are ,sually unremitting in their efforts Q render the best possible servlce' md to elevate the schools to the mgn E est point of efficiency and excellence And who benefits most by all this? 1 Uho indeed. but the child?
 Subjects chosen for discussion at o, ,eatings of the Parent-Teacher Asso- o;o+;on should be of vital interest not on,v to parents but to teachers. Many rbases of the regimen of the child daily life may be taken up, including s,een diet. the school luncheon nome studv recreation, amusements' DOCKS n,ctures. companions, and possloly certain phases of the course Of study' all of which provide excellent material
 u round table discussion.