p. 19 | SCHOOL GOVERNMENT by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 20, 1876

SCHOOL GOVERNMENT.

By Eliza H. Morton

I WISH to say a few words through the columns of the REVIEW to those who may be engaged in the work of teaching, and I think the suggestions which I may offer in regard to school government will also apply to family government. I will not enlarge on the importance of government. All admit that it is impossible to instruct those over whom one has no control.

If you hope to have any degree of success, you must first form in your mind a clear, well-defined idea of what constitutes a well-governed school. In order to do this, you must visit first-class schools, and observe their movements and general appearance; you must also read books on the science of government. Having learned the theory, and observed the practice of first-class educators, then inquire if you have within yourself the natural ability to govern others. You must be sure that you are master of yourself, and can subdue your passions, bridle your tongue, and control your countenance, at will. Some teachers think that an arbitrary manner, commanding voice, and fierce frowns, are necessary in order to secure the obedience of their pupils. This is a great mistake. Such a manner, look, and tone, arouse the evil nature which exists in every heart, and cause angry, revengeful thoughts to surge through the minds of your pupils.

It is possible for a teacher to be firm and still be pleasant. Endeavor, then, to speak pleasantly under all circumstances. When you tell a child he must do a thing, be sure that he does it. When you tell a child you will do a thing, be sure that you do it. Endeavor to be still and quiet in your movements about the school-room. Set your pupils an example of order and system in all things, or, in other words, be what you wish your pupils to become. Avoid scolding, fault-finding, frowning, loud talking and a blustering manner. Cultivate self-respect, and you will command the respect of others. Show your pupils by your acts that you love them and are interested in their welfare, individually, and you will thus win their love. Having gained their love, you can make love the rule of the school, and a look or motion will be sufficient, in nearly all cases, to secure instantaneous obedience.

Teachers, you have within your reach opportunity for doing much good in this world. You can make impressions lasting as life, help form good resolutions, strengthen moral faculties, and mold and fashion minds after the divine Likeness; therefore, be in earnest the coming year; and make up your minds to accomplish greater results than ever before. There are heights above you yet to be reached. There are fruitful fields to be immediately tilled. Young minds are thirsting for knowledge, and young souls yearning for the truth. Gird on your armor anew. Seek wisdom from above, and commence the year with new aspirations, new desires, greater ambition, more enthusiasm, and with more of the spirit of Him who “taught as never man taught.”

ELIZA H. MORTON.

Allen's Corner, Me.