Year: 1860

Teachers have within comparatively
small period begun to see what is so gener-
ally understood by those engaged in almost
every other sphere of activity, namely, that
it is not good to be alone ;" that benefits
may result from associated effort; that co
operation, not jealous isolation is more gen.
erous, but also more advantageous This
has been seen by many, especially by those
who are most intelligent and most devoted
to the interests OF common schools. but
there are still not few who neglect to
avail themselves of the experience and sug-
gestions of other teachers, either because
they feel sufficiently qualified for all the
duties and exigencies OF the schoolroom, or
because they have too little interest in their
schools to desire fuller knowledge or great
er skill in communicating instruction. II
the former be true, it certainly would be
generous in those so fortunately fitted for
teaching, to associate with others less quail.
flied, to impart to them the secret of sue
cess; if the latter be the fact, the question
naturally arises-are persons SO Indifferent
to the best interests of those committed to
them, fit to teach ? Does not their apathy
evince their unftness to be in school


Hardly any one can teach for three
months, perhaps for three weeks only, with
out gaining some experience or inyenting
some method which would be Of use to 9TH
er teachers. And on the ether hand, there
are very few who do not encounter Difficult
ties in communicating instruction or disci-
pline, which may be rendered less formida-
/ l. L. f. I. Il. I I i
somewhat similar troubles.


1t argues well for the future prosperity
Of the schools of Miffin county that in so
many districts Associations have been or
ganized, and are in successful operation
This fact would be, to a stranger, one Of
the strongest proofs of healthy state of
feeling in regard to education. 1t is GER
tainly not less so to one who knows how
earnest many Of those teachers are who
give direction and character to these Asso-
ciations. 1t is to be hoped that during
this winter ercry district will have it's AS
sociatiOn, either alone or in conection with
other districts And it can hardly be
doubted that every true teacher will be
Jealous in forming and sustaining such As
sociations. Their object is not show or
pretension, but good, hearty, intelligent
lc0rf. Not for the entertainment of an
audience, but for the discussion of modes
Of instruction and government, for the con-
slderation of questions whose clear solution
would be Of essential service to every teach
er, and last not least, to secure greater ia
miliarity with the principles of all the
branches taught in Common Schools.


At some meetings of teachers it seems
to be the principal object to glorify the pro
tession of teaching 1t certainly is well
for man to follow decent business, an
honorable profession, if you please but,
if he does his best in his calling, he hon
ors it far more than by assuring the public
that it is honorable. Yet every one should
seek to have the most liberal ideas, the tru-
est views Of his vocation, and it is wise for
teachers to gain clear perception of their
duties and the benefcent results which will
follow the right performance of their du-
ties


Consistently with what has been said
above, the teachers of this county are, by
the Executive Committee, invited, and re-
spectfully urged to attend the Teachers
Convention, which will be held during the
holidays, probably December 27, % and
20. The specific time and place will be
made known at an early day.


The following subjects will be discussed


How can whispering in school be pre-
vented?


The power and responsibility Of raising
the standard of Education, belong mainly
to the teachers of Common Schools.


Children should be taught to read by
phonetic instruction.


All teachers are requested to prepare to
participate in the discussion of these sub
jects. a. SMITH.


Positive Excellence.