The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1878-07-06
The Normal Department.

mat teaching IS one OF the nlSn,
est callings of man is everywhere ac-
knowledged. Nevertheless it is strange
and unaccountable and greatly to be
lamented to note the crude and de
ficient preparation for this noble en-
ployment. Men and women spend
years in fitting themselves for the
ordinary trades and occupations of
life, yet for this one of the noblest
of all, they seem content with the
most meager and fundamental at
tainments. The methods of employ
ing and paying teachers has no tend
ency to improve this condition of
things. Hence all the schools are
flooded with teachers lily qualified
for their work. A Normal Depart
ment in the University together with
six Normal Schools, located at various
points in the State, were established
to supply this lack.
Now we wish to consider whether
this Normal Department in the uni
vcrsity is sufficiently equipped, and
how it may be made more compe-
tent for the work proposed. 1t is co
cval with the school of which it is a
part. And could have developed into
a thorough and complete system
had the means for it's support and
organization been furnished Refer
ence to the University catalogues
will show how many young men have
availed themselves of its advantages
contracted as they necessarily are.
And yet it is evident to any observer
that it's course of normal training is
not sufficient to prepare the kind of
teachers the University should fur
nish. But it cannot be otherwise
under the circumstances. The pro
visions for this department are not
sufficient and never have been.
A University in the true sense, is
school of universal knowledge, in
Guiding all the various branches Of
human education in as comprehen-
sive and perfect a degree as possible.
1t is the property of all the people
and should be the pride and glory of
all. 1t is supported by general taxa
ton and patronage. 1t belongs to no
party. sect or section. This being
rtue she should be allowed to lack
none of the essentials of such an in
titution. Is it policy to organize
such a department and then not pro
vide it with all the necessary means
and appliances to fulfill its function.
The only way this can be remedied is
to organize and equip this depart
ment, and appropriate enough for its
support. Besides is it not a poor
policy to attach to such an establish
ment an imperfectly organized depart
ment. With these departments this
branch of the University founded on
a solid and firm basis, could be made
an honor to the Institution, and
blessing to all who may avail them
selves of its advantages. If the
Normal Schools and Universities are
both to be supported, they must rec
ognize their duties to each other, and
operate in harmony together. They
must operate each in its appropriate
field. This Commonwealth should
not suffer its chief educational Insti-
tuition to fall in any particular below
those of her sister States. Let the
people stand by her and sustain her
with that zeal and ambition becom-
ing them. Let the University be the
idol and pride Of her citizenship.
Elevate the standard in all her de
partments, and especially let us see
the school for teachers advanced and
improved. Let a diploma from her
authorities be passport to any posi-
ton. Thoroughly provide and fur
nish her with all the requisites Of
such a department.