Parents and Teachers by Mrs. A. H. Mc Cauley

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 25, 1915

Parents and Teachers

By Mrs. A. H. Mc Cauley

MRS. A. H. MC CAULEY

The problem of cooperation between parents and teachers is one of vital importance, but in many of our church schools it has never been satisfactorily solved. The problems of the teacher differ from those of the parent; and in order that they may work together intelligently, for the good of the children, each must understand the viewpoint of the other. In some places, parents' meetings have helped to bring about a better understanding, and it is certain that the friendly acquaintance of parents and teachers is imperative if the best results from school work are to be obtained.

Nothing is of greater importance to boys, fathers and mothers than the education of their children. We are told that God has appointed the church as a watchman to have a jealous care over these younger members of the household of faith, but too often the church does not realize the situation. Even the parents fail to realize the magnitude of the trust committed to them in the training of their boys and girls. The consecrated teacher is set to help parents in this work, but the whole responsibility should not be shifted to his shoulders. The parents and the teacher should work together.

Only consecrated men and women, who love children and can see in them souls to be saved for the Master, should be chosen as church-school teachers. The children should be taught to make the Word of God the rule of their lives. The conditions they must meet in the world demand a strong will to stand for the right, and a keen mind that can grasp problems quickly. To many, education means a mere knowledge of books; but we believe that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and that the object of true education is “to restore the image of God in the soul.” This training should begin in early childhood, when the character is most impressionable.

The habits formed in early years, more than natural endowments, decide whether a person will be victor or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is truly the sowing time, and determines the character of the harvest in this life as well as in the life to come.

Parents should cooperate with the teacher not only on the questions of studies and discipline, but in laboring earnestly for the conversion of the children. The spiritual atmosphere of the home will be carried into the schoolroom. If parents seek to reach a higher standard, their children will unconsciously follow in their footsteps. As parents we should earnestly seek the Lord, that we may not prove a stumblingblock to those who are looking to us for guidance. The spirit of criticism should be banished from our hearts and homes.

Teachers as well as parents should seek for the wisdom which our Heavenly Father is ever ready and willing to give. As food is necessary to the physical development, so the mind must be nourished and directed. To place young children in the care of a teacher who is not fully consecrated to God and devoted to his work, is a great mistake. More harm than good will result from such association.

Shall we not pray earnestly in our churches and at the family altar, that God will direct and guide in the church school work, that parents and teachers may more fully cooperate with the divine purpose in the education of our children and youth? In so doing we shall be laborers together with God.