The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1874-07-15

of Il most competent teachers from the
county and out ofthe profession. feel en-
couraged, however, to report that about
one half of the districts have increased
the monthly pay a few dollars over the
preceding wear. Our examinations are
not as well attended by directors as they
should be it ought to be remembered that
this is the time and place to select live
teachers.
v~IsITATIoNS.
The entire winter term was spent IN
visiting schools the average time in each
was about one and three-fourth hours. l
had aimed to visit every school in the
county at least once. Two hundred and
sixty visits in all were made, when called
upon directors usually accompanied me,
but by reference to teachers report books
we find that visits by directors and patrons
in many instances quite limited.
In fact among those who are well wish
ers of the system and willing to sustain
any reasonable measures so far as pecuniary
requirements are concerned, there are too
many who are recklessly indifferent IN re-
gard to the important duty OF visitation.
In some schools but few patrons make
their appearance during u whole term.
The care-worn teacher in whose counte-
nance is depicted the responsible tolls OF
the school-room should be visited often
the faithful teacher loves to exhibit his
work and have it inspected, and should
patrons and directors visit the schools often
it would nave a tendency to drive away
much of that dreary monotony 81 the
school-room, smooth the rugged pathway
of the teacher, and greatly encourage the
pupils.
Children love 10 do that which receives
the attention and commentator OF their
parents and other grown persons, 1t Is
hoped that parents and directors will con-
slider this subject favorably and discard the
fimsy excuse that they G do no good.
NORMAL SCHOOLS.
Six local Normal Schools were open in
the county during August, September, and
part OF October. These schools were pat
ronized by over four hundred students, at
the close of which two hundred presented
themselves for examination as teachers.
Prior to the establishment ola high school
at Somerset one year ago, these local Nor
mails were the only means offered to our
teachers for special training in the PROBES.
sion.
COUNTY INSTITUTE.
This annual meeting OF teachers and
friends OF education convened in Somer'
set Oct. 9th 1878 and continued in session
five DAYS. Our instructors from abroad
were Prof. Robert Curry, Assistant Deputy
State Superintendent, and Prof. w. n.
Hull, II. j. Gourley and NJ. b. Sloan,
Pro, Hull assisted us during the entire
week, giving instructions in E~locution.
Penmanship and Drawing. He also gave
a public entertainment OF "Wednesday
evening to a large and appreciative audi
ence, On Thursday evening Pro. Curry
delivered a very Interesting and ins;ruc.
tive lecture on special education. DE-.
S, S, Good also favored us with a lecture
on school room ventilation. Able reports
were offered by Profs. +. Croft, G. A.
Brubaker, r. II. Van-Horn and others, o.
our teachers. One hundred and forty
teachers were enrolled. All present seem
ed well pleased and it is hoped benefited.
CONCLUSION.
AT this the close of another school year
l can not see that we have any reason for
discouragement. In some localities it Is
true the school machinery does not work
so well but | feel confident we have tax
en- no step backward, but on the contrary
slowly and steadily do we endeavor TO
keep pace with our sister counties and
n%eighboring states, in all that relates to
lasting and solid improvement in the
things that pertain to the prosperity of oul
schools. And finally, l return my cordial
Acknowledgement to the School Depart
ment, TO directors and teachers, "a the
county press, to Glb who have so eheerfully
aided me in my labors during the pas
year.
D. w WILL
Co. Supt.