THE TEACHER'S PROFESSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1924, Page 15

THE TEACHER'S PROFESSION.

IDEALISM A SINE QUA NON. The claim that the teacher’s profession is the finest of all is made in the Sydney Morning Herald by a contributor, who looking over his long experience, supports his contention by reference to the nature and the importance of the teacher’s work. The value of a profession or handicraft depends partly on the nature of the material upon which the worker operates, he writes. A goldsmith ranks higher than a bricklayer, even though they may be equally skilful in their work, and equally thorough. The material with which teachers are concerned is the nation’s most valuable asset. This material—the child’s body, soul and spirit—is placed in the hands of teachers to be used aright. The using of this material is the most interesting occupation conceivable. The teacher who can complain of the dullness i work ought to be doing something a niisfit. Weariness is inevitably the frequent experience of a teacher; stagnation and monotony need never be felt. But idealism is a “sine qua non” in all who have to deal with education. Especially is it necessary in those engaged in the actual work of teaching. Their difficulties and discouragements are many; the results of their labours are seen possibly only long after the pupil has passed from the teacher’s care. The teacher works nof R i«rht. He does not see the finished article before him, as the carpenter sees his completed stool or table. Onlv eternity will reveal the final results o the work of a Dr. Arnold. To combat this present dimness nf sight, the teacher needs the glowing light of an ideal, the of a fixed conviction of the value of his work when faithfv l,v Boda.