New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-04-17
FOR THE TRAINING or TEACHERS.

L
tial nobility of the teachers vocation are con-
stantly and universally proclaimed. The theme
is as old aS civilization, and 1t has inspired Il
vast amount of rhetoric. Nobody disputes the
propositon 1t is scf-cvidcnt. Bu; when we
look for evidences of its validity, for facts to
prove that il is the foundation OF the social
system we find that they are much scarccr
and much less impressive than familiar dcclara-
ton would lead us 10 expect. The quality OF
instruction is certainly improving, but the pro-
cess is slow. When great educator ike Ar
mold appears in the world the nferiorlty OF the
prevailing standard becomes Strikingly appar-
cnt. The contrast diScIoSes the fact that the
profession which is 50 lauded by common con
sent in reality is lightly esteemed and lightly
cstccms itself. The truth is that the teachers
vocation is generally not vocation at ALL bui
a casual occupation. or all the teachers III the
country only a small minority are called to the
work. 1t is taken up as convenient means
of temporary support, rs bridge by when
some more commanding or congenlal station
NAV be reached. Thus cause and effect IN
toract. Teachers find little induccmcnt, in the
popular estimate Of then labOr>. 10 ardent de-
yotion and strenuous cndeavOr: and the com
munity realizes that they do not deserve the
panegvricS which custom bc>towS on them
We take note Of the numerous and admirable
and Increasing exceptions, but this Is the gen
eral rule. and il ought to be acknowledged.
These reflections are suggested by a pam
pblct which ha, lately come into our hands.
describing the origin and Development the
prcscnt condition and the prospects of the New
IL. Uni, Of Ia1fl|TS
This institution has established itself among
us almost without observation. II has been
our pleasure from time 10 time T. call attention
10 its claims but We are persuaded that the
community at large has very imperfect con
ception of the knowledge and skill with which
It's course has been directed Of the interest
which it has inspired in limited but thought
full and influential circle. and OF the success
which il has already achieved. It's charter Is
ONLY three years old. but in this short period
il has become an Indispensable part OF our cd
ucational system in the opinion Of those who
are hest qualified 10 Judge. II has no model
in this country. and thus far it is the only &C
cupant Of lis special field. II was founded +"
doyclop. illustrate and nculcatc the science and
art Of teaching and it, adherence 10 that pur-
pose has been stcadfaSt and absolute. lis pro-
iector> and managers, profoundly convinced
as they were Of the need of such an INSTITUTION
have been amazed AT the rapidty and SolidltI
of il, growth. They had full faith in their own
creed but they thought that lis propagation
would ho slow and difficult. 1.-THE work was
undertaken i'm the belief that Of all roads To
improvcmonf and reform education is the SurcSt
and the mos, direct and the trustees have been
led to carry il forward in lis present form IN
the conviction that, of all phases Of educational
work. the training of teachers is nearest the
source. and hence is the most economical ana
most fruitful of results
This official statement cmbOdieS the purpose
Of the institution The response has been
singularly eager and gratifying Its students
have come from eighteen states, from Canada
and from south America Their average age
is twenty seven years. 4 large proportion of
experienced teachers has always been IN at
tendance and the proportion OF college grad
yates is steadily increasing. The elective SyS-
fem has been introduced during the present
wear. and for the year 10 come fory-threc
courses in purely professional work are offered
rs against sixteen AT Harvard, which Is the
closest comparison. Applying the principle OF
extension, the college has organized classes for
the study of the kindergarten system IN New
York and in ncighboring cities and towns, and
has sent specialists IN manual framing 10
numerous schools in the vicinity 80 that more
than 1000 pupils are now under this instruc-
tion in seventeen places within fifty miles Of
This city. Bv this means, and through core
spondence and independent investigation. the
4 Il, ,,ft h. COLL ra haInu
difruscd over the country. The interest and
appreciation with which its development is
watched by eminent educators arc signlied by
the strongest testimony from the highest
sources.
The foregoing facts are only mcagrc sug-
ecstion Of the work which the college is ac-
compliShng To all who credit them IT must
be evident that its present site and material
facilities are far below its requirements Fortu-
nately. the necessity is about To he met. From
the first the institution has been served with
great sagacity and devotion by those who hold
themselves primarily responsible for its sue
coss Its financial history has been highly hon
orable, and its present financial status is most
encouraging Its earning capacity has con-
stantly increased, 1t has never had n debt, and
while salaries have been augmented tuition fees
have grown in much greater ratio. so that the
need of supplementing earnings by gifts has
steadily decreased. And there is no reason to
apprehend loss Of earning power. for the de-
mand for graduates of the college has not only
ALWAYS exceeded the supply, but is increasing
more rapidly in proportion than the supply.
II is obvious. however that for the purpose Of
establishing the institution upon an ample
foundation and providing an adequate equip
ment large sum Of money is required. And
this project of removal and construction is not
a mere vision or remote hope. IL has begun.
Mr.. George w. Vanderbilt, one of the trustees,
has given the college twenty lots on One-hun-
drcd and twentieth and Northumberland