EXOD180 The only teachers of children mentioned in the Bible are parents. "And Thou shall teach them diligently to thy children" (Shema); "Thou shalt tell it to thy son", [this verse], and "Hearken my son, to the instruction of thy father; and abandon not the teaching of thy mother". [Prov. i.8.] The professional teacher was a product of economic stress when parents no longer had time to look after this duty themselves. At the best, he was only a substitute for the parent. Only when the parent has succeeded in equipping the child with a sound Jewish education leading to nobility of action, is the parental task discharged. This education must commence as soon as a child can speak "in order to introduce him to a performance of Mitzvot". The first three years were to be devoted to building up the body of the child; after that, the needs of his mind must also be catered for.