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Preparation
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Training for Parenthood Needed
Never will education accomplish all that it might and should
accomplish until the importance of the parents’ work is fully recog-
nized, and they receive a training for its sacred responsibilities.
The necessity of preparatory training for the teacher is univer-
sally admitted, but few recognize the character of the most essential
preparation. Those who appreciate the responsibility involved in
training children and youth will realize that instruction in scientific
and literary lines alone cannot suffice. Teachers should have a more
comprehensive education than can be gained by the study of books.
They should possess not only strength but breadth of mind; they
should be not only whole-souled but large-hearted.
Only He who created the mind and ordained its laws can perfectly
understand its needs or direct its development. The principles of
education that He has given are the only safe guide. A qualif ication
essential for every teacher is a knowledge of these principles and
such complete acceptance of them that they will be a controlling
power in the life.
Experience in practical life is indispensable. Order, thorough-
ness, punctuality, self-control, evenness of disposition, self-sacrifice,
integrity, and courtesy are essential qualifications.
Because there is so much cheapness of character, so much coun-
terfeit today, it is more than ever necessary for the teachers’ words,
attitude, and deportment to represent the elevated and the true. Chil-
dren are quick to detect affectation or any other weakness or defect.
Teachers can gain the respect of their pupils in no other way than
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by revealing in their own characters the principles that they seek
to teach. Only as they do this in their daily lives can they have a
permanent influence for good on their students.
Health to Be Guarded
For almost every other qualification that contributes to success,
teachers are in great degree dependent upon physical vigor. The
better the health, the better will be the work accomplished.
So wearing are teachers’ responsibilities that special effort on
their part is required to preserve vigor and freshness. Often they