The Teacher / Or, Moral Influences Employed in the Instruction and Government of the Young

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22251

Title

The Teacher / Or, Moral Influences Employed in the Instruction and Government of the Young

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Jacob Abbott's practical guide for educators emphasizes moral influence and supreme authority over physical force. Designed for new teachers, this 1839 treatise offers a systematic approach to school management, blending firm discipline with kindness to cultivate virtue and order among young students.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Teacher,' Jacob Abbott presents a comprehensive system for organizing schools based on moral influences rather than physical coercion. Intended for those beginning their teaching careers, the work aims to translate experienced principles into practical applications. Abbott argues that while a teacher must possess supreme and unlimited authority, this power should be exercised through moral measures, with physical force reserved strictly as a last resort. The text details specific arrangements for classroom time, including rigid schedules and general exercises to maintain order, which children naturally love. Abbott advocates for teaching in masses rather than focusing excessively on individual cases to prevent interruptions. He provides numerous anecdotes illustrating his methods, such as handling a boy who created noise with a loose lath or a student preparing a weapon against authority. These stories demonstrate his preference for open, frank dealing and private discipline to protect a pupil's character, though public exposure is sometimes used for specific cases of arrogance or bullying. The book also addresses religious instruction, setting clear limits to respect parental rights, and discusses the delicate balance between firmness and mildness required to elevate the character of the profession and guide the young toward virtuous conduct. Abbott emphasizes that teaching is a pleasant, animating work if approached with interest, noting that the human mind is essentially the same and that what is tedious to one can be exciting to another if pursued differently. He outlines the importance of system and regularity, noting that children love order, much like they love military parades. The work stresses the moral responsibility teachers hold for the conduct of their pupils and the multiplicity of objects requiring their attention. By delegating power to pupils where possible, teachers can train them in business while maintaining ultimate responsibility. The text serves as a practical guide for new educators, offering directions on how to manage time, handle recitations, and address disciplinary issues without compromising the dignity or character of the students. Through these methods, Abbott seeks to establish a mild but efficient government in the school, ensuring that the teacher's influence rests on the minds and hearts of the pupils rather than on fear or force.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22251.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22251.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 07:46 UTC

Categories

• Education
• Moral Philosophy