The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-28

OFFICE or
STATE SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC I'D
uCATIoN,

STATE = )
uCATIoN,
JACKSON, May 20, 1884.
The attention of County Superintend-
ents is called to the Importance Of organ
ling in their respective counties Teach
ers, Institutes or Associations. These
Organizations having for their object the
attainment of thorough knowledge OF
the philosophy of their profession, the
Establishments social intercourse among
the members, a common sympathy among
themselves and the people, and the Sc
curing of unity in professional purpose
and action, will, if properly managed
and conducted, inevitably secure
higher estimate of their noble calling,
and infuse an esprit du corps, which is an
essential element to success IN every
professional calling.
The fact that the Inauguration OF this
measure will be attended with difficult
ties. requiring as it does much labor,
energy and persistent effort. Compare
lively few school officers of our State are
experienced in the management of an
Institute or have the requisite knowl.
edge of its peculiar work.
The Indifference of the great mass OF
the people, the lack of competent Instr
tute instructors, aud last, though not
least. the want of means to defray the
necessary expenses, (no provision being
made by law to raise or appropriate
public funds for such purpose are few
among the obstacles to be overcome.
1t is not intended, nor is it expected
under existing circumstances, to perfect
these organizations at once, and indeed.
in counties with sparse population and
| but few schools, county organization
would be impracticable. Institute work,
under most favorable auspices, is of slow
| growth; still there must be an initiatory
step-a beginning, however crude or
small our work may appeer.
This measure is adopted as aftording
the best and only reliable means for the
promotion of special preparatory train
ing of our teachers, and arousing more
| favorable public sentiment towards the
free school system. 1t is assumed that
Superintendent and other school officer'
will at once recognize the importanc- oil
the measure, and with the hearty co
operation-the prompt. energetic, ano
earnest support which has characterized
our school officers in the execution Of
all measures, orders and instructions
emenating from this department in th'
past, no doubt is entertained as to IT.
ultimate success.
Rules and regulations for the manage
ment of an Institute are, to greater OIL
less extent, arbitrary. Order and system
which are essential to all we'll regulated
and successful educational institutions
apply with equal force to Teachers In
stitutes.
TINE AND PLACE FOR HOLDING THE IN
sTITUTEs.
The most appropriate time with us TO
holding an annual Institute Is believed
to be during the summer months, jus
before the opening of the fall schools, a
thereby but few, if any of the school
will be interfered with. Teachers viii
naturally feel at this time more interes
in an enterprise of this kind than at an,
other the schools will, moreover, receive
the benefit derived from the adoption o
improved methods of instruction, discip
line, and school management in general
The place for holding the institute
should be selected at some central poin
easy of access, and with a view to tn
comfort and convenience of the teachers
The County Superintendent, or com
mittee appointed for the purpose, shoult
take the precautiOn to confer with tn
citizens of the town and ascertain thei
sentiments toward the enterprise, ais
whether the residents are willing t,
furnish entertainment for teachers il
attendance, as hotel accommodations il
most of the interior towns are very lin
tied.