Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-06
THE TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
How to Arouse Public Interest" Discussed at Last Nights Session-t Should Radlate
 From the Teacher, Says Dr.. Palmer.

By o'clock last night the commodious assembly hall of the Woodlawn school building was well filled with citizens and teachers in attendance upon the meeting of the Jefferson County Teachers in- stitute.
 The meeting was called to order by thel president, Prof. F. M. Roof and pr. Sol ornon Palmer of the East Lake Athe- neum opened the meeting with prayer.
 Addresses of welcome were delivered by Superintendent J. M. Dewberry and Hon. J. T. Wood, mayor of Woodlawn The speakers represented the schools of the town as being in a flourishing con- dltion. the attendance having reached 230. The teachers and visitors were ac- corded hearty welcome to the town and to the homes of the people.
 The addresses of welcome were re- sponded to by Professors Wadrop and Burriss and County Superintendent l. w. McAdory.
 After the enrolment of members and the reading of the minutes of the pre- Vious meeting, committee on resolu- tions was appointed consisting of Messrs. Ellis, Allgood and Hogan.
 The subject for the evening, viz: How May the Interest of the Community Be Aroused in the School" was called up. In the absence of Prof. J. M. Fountain, who was to open the discussion, Dr. Sol omon Palmer responded to the call of the president Dr. Palmer claimed that the teacher was the center from which interest should radiate. He should be a true missionary; unselfsh and thor oughly consecrated. Such a teacher would create an interest in the commit nifty.
 Prof. S. A. Ellis thought this an im- portant subject and gave some of his personal experience in attempting to solve this vexed question. He sugg gested the calling together of the community by special exercises in the school He also stated that he had found literary societies and ting libraries vahI- able aids. Above all things, he said the teacher must be social and get ac- quainted with and visit his patrons.
 Professors sAllgood and H. P Burriss followed, adding valuable suggestions. At this point Professor Fountain ar rived and took the floor. He said that the teacher was responsible for the edu- cational spirit in the community.
 pr. J. H. Phillips took issue with Pro- lessor Fountain upon this point, claim ing that the schools had been run long enough by and for the teachers, and that 1t was time for the people to come for ward and take a hand in educational
 
 teacher had much to do with shaping and leading public sentiment. The teach CT should be missionary. All honor to the man or woman who goes into the be- nighted regions of the earth. but equal honor is due to the teacher who goes into the dark corners of some of our own counties.
 At the conclusion of this discussion the audience was treated to a recitation by Miss Idene Keys. Miss Keys thor oughly captured her audience by her clever impersonation of the bad girl.'' and was compelled to respond to an en- core.
 After music and the assignment of homes to the visiting teachers, the meet ing adjourned to meet again this morn ing at o'clock.
 The subjects for discussion today are "Mental Arithmetic" Best Method of Grading Country Schools" "How to Teach Reading" Plan'for Teaching Eng fish to Children Under 12 Years of Age" .tAttention," Preachers Lyceum." and tonight Dr. J. H. Phillips will discuss "The Work of the Committee of Twelve" !"