Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

There are all kinds of characters to deal with in
the children and youth, and their minds are
impressionable. Many of the children who attend
our schools have not had proper training at home.
Some have been left to do as they pleased; others
have been found fault with and discouraged. Very
little pleasantness and cheerfulness have been
shown them; few words of approval have been
spoken to them. They have inherited the defective
characters of their parents, and the discipline of the
home has been no help in the formation of right
character. To place as teachers of these children
and youth, young men and women who have not
developed a deep, earnest love for God and for the
souls for whom Christ has died, is to make a
mistake that may result in the loss of many souls.
Those who easily become impatient and irritated
should not be educators.
Teachers should remember that they are not
dealing with men and women, but with children
who have everything to learn. And it is much more
difficult for some to learn than for others. The dull
pupil needs much more encouragement than he
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