Mexico weekly ledger., 1884-08-28
Normal Institute.

Are Normal Institutes a benefit |
It would be a great mistake, il, after
securing normal instruction, il, after |
such hard work ON the part of in
structors and teachers as the institute |
requires, if, after the expense sus-
tanned by each member, that no good
results should be reached. Let US
see. More than fifty of the most
painstaking and progressive
teachers in Audrain county have been
and conscientiously employ
ed for two weeks, doing what each
can for the growth of education and
for the elevation of the teachers
work. Not that there are few who
alone are presenting what they con-
ceive to be the best work to be done
in school, but all are bringing to bear
the needs of our schools, and offer
ing the best system of management.
Every method is discussed and the
best brought out is as free from rub
bish as possible.
In the multitude of counseiors
there is wisdom-a maxim which ap-
plies as we'll to the solution of prob
lens presented to the teacher as to
the taking of fortress. In institute
work, it is conceded, that what is
worth doing at all, is worth doing
well. To carry out the scheme, 8
school is organized, classified and
managed, and should be a model
school. In one department we find a
class totally absorbed in mastering
orthography, in another we see pre-
sented good method of study, in
another the manner of recitation 10
observed, in still another the intrica-
cies in some part of mathematics are
unraveled. In still another, facts
and their relations in history are be-
ing discussed.
During the morning lecture the
mind is unfolded, its nature, phases
and possibilities are described. The
mysteries and subtletles of logic are
explained and applied. The half can
not be told; in short, all are striving
to find the truth and learn the best
manner of applying it in our instruc-
ton. Can such worthy and deter
mined effort result in fortune? I'm
possible! These teachers in attend
ance cannot be praised too highly
first, for the fact that they are will
ling to admit their ignorance in the
many subjects, and that they bring
with them teachable spirit; in the
second place for their self-denial and
devotion for the work which they
have undertaken.
At last it is becoming apparent to
most people that anybody can not
teach school, and that aside from
the mere desire to secure a position
which will supply little money, upon
which to dress better and appear well,
there must be a love for the work,
which will overcome all difficulties,
an energy which will scorn idleness
and be potent for the formation Of
proper habits and good character.
What shall we say of those persons
who expect to teach in this county
and who remain away from the insti-
tute? Many Of them have not seen
a normal institute nor a normal
school, More than one hundred per-
sons are employed to teach in the
public schools of this county, fifty
two of whom are enrolled as mem.
bers of this institute and working
earnestly to be abreast of the fore
most. Where are the other fifty-two
who expect to occupy the teachers
station in the coming year? Dc
they feel that the sacredness of the
position does not demand from them
every preparation possible? Are they
to class themselves along side of the
live, energetic and qualified teacher
Are they content to be classed witt
the failures? 1t will not be long.
What grand step in the progress
of public education, could the direc
tors of our schools take, were they
to interest themselves sufficiently il
the matter, to visit their institute, SCI
who attend, and see what is bein,
done. They have the power in thei
hand to see that every teacher in tn
county should attend at least, one
, per year, the normal institute.
, They could, by so demanding
brig our schools to the front in
y manner at once astonishing and graf
0 flying.
0 A Heavy Election Bet.