Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1886-08-24
Teachers Institute.

Editor Spirit of Jefferson Il pre-
sumo YOU would be pleased to learn
something of the work done in our
Teachers Institute. We have fifty
teachers in attendance. This meet
ing has been the most interesting one
we have had for years. All the
teachers are very anxious to learn the
best and most efficient methods of
teaching, although, few of them take
an active part in the work. Prof.
McDIurran, IL conductor, is ut home
when called upon to instruct. He
gave us in his opening address a lee
ture which will long be remembered.
He laid great stress upon the duties
of the teacher, by showing the good
or evil that may grow out of his teach
ing-that the teacher should be an
example, not only for the children
but for the whole community in which
he resides.
After the opening address the pro-
gramme was taken up and the sub
iects discussed. All seemed highly
delighted with Prof. McMurran's
plans of teaching. The Prof. is a
live teacher and an able man, and
such material should not be permitted
to rust out in a State like this where
it is so much needed.
Among u visiting friends who
took part with us were, Prof. 7. j.
| Woofter, principal of Shepherd Col
lcge, and DR.. Percival of Baltimore.
Prof. Woofter gave us some spicy
methods as how to teach u. S. His
tory, and showed by his address that
his whole soul is in the work. OF
our number who favored us with their
methods of teaching, were-C. j.
Knott, how to teach the alphabet !;
Miss Laura Strider, on primary ge-
ograplly and how to teach without
text book; Mr.. A. S. Crittenden fol-
flowed on teaching spelling to begin
ncrs by the analysis method which
was very interesting; Hill and Lock
also took part in this discussion
Banks opened 4 discussion on U. S.
History which was developed by
Prof Wooftcr.
Prof. McNIurran. explained the in
tcrnational date line, and how it is
we lose q day in travelling westward
around the world and gain a day in
travelling eastward. On this subject
he was cross-Questioncd by Mr.. Din
klc.
In fact, the whole work has been
one of much pleasure as well as very
instructive to most of us.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY TIE ISsTI-
TUTE.
ReSO're1. That VIC ask that the school law be
so amended rs to make it obligatory upon the
officers contracting with the teachers to make
the time of the teachers appointment to con-
tinuc at least five years. unless sooner removed
for the causes named in the school law as
reasons for withholding his certificate to teach.
That it be further amended 50 that the qIcs-
ton of more than four months schools be sub
mittcd to the people 1T the regular school cleo
ton only. That it he still further amended so
that the Normal School Diploma of II teacher
who has taught three successive years after re-
cGiViuI said diploma. on no other than first
grade certificates. shall be the equivalent of Il
first grade certificate in any county of the State
until said diploma is revoked by the State SUI
pcrintcndcnt.
ReSoirei. That we recommend that twenty
school days constitute: Il school month that
the time of holding the Institute he made to
occur sometime during the school term. and to
permit the teacher time to continue the same
as IL teaching.
RcSOtced. That the thanks of the teachers be
rendered to Prof. McMurran for the efficiency
and fidelity with which he has discharged The
duties of his position as Conductor of this In
stitutc. To Mr.. Hess, our honorcd County SUI
pcrintendeut. for the constant Interest which
lie has manifested in the proceedings of this
Institute Cor bOdy). To Mr.. Lewis Dinklc for
his uniform attention and courtesy in the office
of Secretary.
Re$olred, That the thanks of the Institute be
rendered to DR.. Pcrcival. of Baltimore. for his
Instructive and interesting lecture on phVSi-