Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-05-01
MIR. MAssEY,s CIRGuLAR.
Three Excellent reasons Why Teacher
Should Attend the Normal.

Should Attend the Normal.
The advantages to be derived from
attendance upon, and work in, these
| Normals are many. especially to
teachers in country districts. Only a
| few OF them can be given here:
1. They cultivate mountaineering.
! Persons who are engaged in the same
work are likely to have common aims
and ambitions, but varied experiences
and methods. They have mutual in
terests which they desire to promote,
and mutual success which they are
trying to attain. Their efforts large ly
fail from lack of acquaintance with
their ellow-workers, and the what,
the how and the why of their work.
These Normals bring them together
in social way, and afford opportuni-
ties for conference and discussion, the
benefits of which can scarcely be esti-
mated.
2. They promote professional pride.
Many OF our teachers occupy isolated
country stations. They seldom come
in contact with other teachers. An
annual official visit, it may be of an
hour or two or only few minutes,
from the county superintendent, is all
they see of school work beyond the
four walls of their own school-rooms
Ii they read educational journals or
books on educational topics-as it is
hoped and expected they do-they
must interpret for themselves and
draw their own conclusions, and lay
out their own plans unaided. Many
| are without experience, and even with
out adequate preparation for the work.
10 all such teaching is a mere druid
gerry. They take no pride in it, 1t is
a matter of "bread-winning" only, and
is often done under mental protest.
The Normals introduce such teachers
to the higher classes. They meet
Others who have had experience, who
know something, who are proud of
their calling and work, and they go
back to their homes with new ideas,
new feelings, new as oirations, new en-
thusiasm. and determination to make
themselves more efficient and more
| worthy of place in the ranks of so
honored and honorable profession.
3. The Normal affords real help in
the matter and manner of teaching.
The Department has aimed to employ
in this work the very best available
] material, both in requirement and in
experience. 1t has employed men and
women who have been teaching ten,
| twenty, and thirty years; who have
had the very best opportunities for
improvement and growth, who have
been long engaged in the work in pub
lie common schools, high schools, col
leges, and universities; who have prov
ed their fitness for this work by their
past successes. 1t is therefore believ
ed that our teachers can not find bet
ter instructors, leaders and guides,
than those who have charge of these
Normals; and those who attend regu
larly and for the full term. and give
due attention and study to the work
laid before them. will be sure to re-
ceive great profit.
The rate for board and lodging at
Charlottesville will be $12 for the term
of four weeks; at Hampton and Staun.
ton, $40.
| The railroad authorities will certain
ly make the usual reduction for teach.
ers attending the Normals.
All teachers expecting to attend any
one of the Normals should register at
the State superintendent office with.
out delay. Transportation certificates
will be fent to teachers as they regis.
ter. Very respectfully.
JOHN E. MASSEY,
| 1ariy ~ DBL