Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1876-08-05
OLYMPIA. SATURDAY MORNING, AUG. 5. 1876.
THE EDUCATION OF TEACHERS.

The Teachers Convention recently
held in this city, has developed an I'M
usual interest in educational matters,
and placed the object sought before the
people in such form as will enlist a
united support of such changes in our
school system as the Institute may de-
termine upon recommending from time
to time. Among the many excellent
suggestions made at the late session,
was the recommendation for the estab-
lishment of normal school, or the for
nation of normal class, in our Terri
torial University, where the teachers
may be trained especially for the duties
of the school-room. Teaching OF late
has been recognized as Il science, or an
art, requiring no. only adaptation and
knowledge, but thorough drill in the
mode of impartins instruction, from
the rudiments to the end of the AGA
delnic course.
The principal agencies introduced
for this object have been teachers as
sociations, educational periodicals, nor
NAL schools and teachers Institutes.
The formation of teachers associations
dates back to that instituted in Middle
town, Connecticut, in 1893. Twelve
years afterward the Incorporated So
ciety of Teachers" was formed in the
city of New York, and in 1880 the Es-
sex County Teachers Association was
established in Massachusetts, which
has maintained it's organization and
held semi annual meetings TO the pres
ent time. The most prominent of the
existing educational associations, how
ever, is the American Institute OF In
struction, which was formed at Boston
in 1880 This and preceding effort:
awakened new inter, st on the sub
iect, and led to the formation of State
aud county institutes, base upon the
general plan adopted Ivy them.
In 1923 the first teachers seminary
was opened at Concord, Vermont, bu
the first normal school, was not es
tablished until 1889, at flaming ham
Massachusetts,, as an experiment, Ed
mond Dwight subscribing $4,000 TO
the purpose on condition that the State
should appropriate an equal amount
It's eminent success called into eXistenc,
the many excellent State institutions TO
the education of teachers, and led t.
the formation of the American Norma
School Association, in 1855, at the an
nual meetings of which many funda
mental points in reference to the dis
tinctive character and specific aim Q
these schools is discussed. So it will
be seen that normal school instruction
has been reduced to system from whic
the most satisfactory results must inev
itably flow.
The earliest teachers institute in thi
country, was that formed at Hartford
Connecticut, in 1889, at the instanc
and expense Of the State Superinten
dent of Common Schools, to prove tn
practicability of the plan. The result
was entirely successful. Institute
multiplied rapidly, until their utility ha
obtained general recognition, and re
suited in the formation Of county or
CARNATIONS as an indispensable ad
iunct to common school instruction.
It is, of course, impossible for GU
Territory to maintain a school devote'
to this special object without Govern
mental aid, but it is altogether practice
to establish department in our Terri
torial University which may, as our re
sources increase, finally assume posi-
ton as distinctive institution. Th
need of competent teachers here is no
less than it is in dense communities
The educated teacher recognizes text
books but as an aid towards accom-
plishing result; far greater duty i
incumbent in securing proper menta
and physical discipline, in selecting tn
mode Of imparting instruction, whicl
varies with the peculiar temperament o
the scholar, and in enlisting an interes
in the tasks assigned TO each pupil. I
is this method which constitutes tru
economy and makes what is irksom
drudgery pleasing occupation. I
has been said that s'he who shorten
the road to knowledge lengthens life,
and this is eminently true when applies
to the manner of imparting instruction
in Our common schools.
THE Senate military affairs committee hav
reported very emphatically on the petition
asking Congress to grant the Dalles Millitar.
Reservation, and buildings to the State o
Oregon, for the purpose Of an insane asylum
Endorsed by Gen. o. o. Howard, with state
ment that he thinks no better disposition cal
be made of it, The committee, after REFER
ing to recommendation of the war depar,