Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor, written some time prior to 1915 and submitted for re-publication by Columbus resident Lee Roy Lollar. The author is Lollar’s late grandmother, who taught in the Shiloh community in Lamar County, Alabama.
Many people seem to think that teachers’ lives are “flowery beds of ease,” that teaching school is only play. I wonder how many teachers think so? I can say that no teacher who does his duty and is true to his calling, can think so.
If people would think of the trials and troubles of teachers they would surely spare them some of their criticism and unsympathetic remarks. But few, if any, realize the many questions and worries which come to the teacher each day and we therefore receive but little sympathy.
From the time we step into the school room each morning until recess, we are perplexed with problems, questions and words – besides this, we must have “eyes that see not.”
Then when the time comes round for recess, do you think we get to rest? Not much, for we then have to look after the children to keep them out of mischief, which is no little trouble.
How many call this play?
People think too, that the teacher must be perfect in everything, which all know is impossible. He must never fail to work problems which is brought to him at any time, must not be too strict nor too lax, must whip everybody’s children but “mine.” Of course “mine” do not need it. Then he must please everybody, which cannon be done, as we all know who have tried it.
The best rule is: Do your duty and pay no attention to what you may hear of people saying.
So many people do not want their children to play games at school. They think there is too much exercise in playing ball, sliding tears and soils their clothes too badly, jumping rope wears out too many shoes. In fact they must be perfect little men and women at school. Now we all know it is not natural for children to be so staid in their ways. If they are to be kept quiet during study hours, I say, let them romp and have a jolly time at recess. If the parents were compelled to go to school a few days and be forced to act as they say they want their children to, they would have a different view of the matter. I would say to the parents if you would control your children at home, it would save them and the teacher trouble at school. A teacher can surely tell in school the children that are controlled at home and those that are not.
Teaching is a weary round of ceaseless toiling from morning until night and teachers are constantly annoyed by the thoughtless children, still away down deep in our hearts we have a very, very tender feeling for them.
Miss Onnie Stokes (1884-1920)
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