The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1898-08-18
TEACHERS INSTITUTE.
Minutes Of the Fourth Annual Session Of
the San Juan County Teacher Insti-

| SCHOOL BUILDING, FRIDAY Hal
BOR, WASH, Aug. 8, 1898.-On accoun
| Of few teachers being present, owing t
the late arrival of the steamers, tn
organization was postponed until
p. M, when the following organiza
ton was concluded:
Several nominations and ballot re
suited IN the election of G. N. S. Turke
for secretary.
Rev. r. L. Dyer being absent, the in
| vocation was omitted.
The opening address, by Count,
Superintendent Allen, was interesting
and to the point.
Reading" by Mrs. Grace L. Albert
In this discussion many methods O
teaching reading were presented ant
discussed, resulting in much valuable
information.
CHOW to Interest Pupils in Coco
Literature" by Miss Isabella Gregg
AS the ono who led this discussion
said, this Is an all important question
Since most pupils leave school at the
age Of about Is it is imperative that the
habit of reading good books be formed
early; il 80, it Is fair to assume that
they will finish their education despite
difficulties, but If the habit of using
questionable books be formed, little
hope is entertained for the future in.
tellectuality of such pupils"
The subject of "Fairy Tales' was
proposed and discussed as to their
utility in school. The weight of opin-
ion being that the skillful use of fiction
is allowable, but novels should be
avoided.
At p. m. short intermission was
had, after which, the first subject be-
ing "School Etiquette" by Mrs. A. B.
COrt. Some of the more important
points brought forward in this excellent
number are: The proper time to begin
the education of child is hundred
years before its birth. A necessary
means for the required end is a clean
and attractive schOOlrOOm. Teach ETH
quette by constant and thoughtful ex-
ample.
Next came an excellent paper by
Miss Lou Warren, whose subject was
"Plan of School Work." and whose
discussion was most complete and in
structive, coverings field of knowledge
to attain which by experience would
require many years of earnest school
work.
The minutes regularly read and APP
proved, the Institute adjOured to meet
Tuesday at a. m.
Pursuant to adjournment the Insti-
tuee met at 8 a. m. and was called to
order by the superintendent.
The teachers were much delighted
with the presence of Prof. White, of
the WhatcOm schools, who, in the alb
sence of w. J. Hughes, very acceptablY
acted as instructor.
Prof. White was given the first
period and discussed the important
question, Government and Punish
ments." OF this scholarly address, ali
of which was good, we can record but
q few points. Instead OF too much
government by the teacher, let her cul-
tivate self government Ill the pupils.
Corporal punishment, except In ex-
treme and peculiar cases, is worse than
useless. Judge a teachers success
largely by the number of pupils she
doesn't punish.
Grammar" by Miss Jessie Spencer,
was we'll and thoroughly presented.
QFOllOwing a brief intermission the
instructor took up the subject, 'Rela-
ton of the Teacher to His Work. !"
Prof. White proves himself an ardent
and capable advocate of teachers fol-
lowing the vocation of teaching as q
profession. Let us devote our entire
attention to teaching while we are
teachers. Let us have no side issues.
Let us elevate the profession to more
honored plain by raising the required
standard of eligibility, thereby exclud-
ing from the ranks all who do not
mean to make it a lifelong calling.
Exciting Interest in Study" by
Miss Kate Buckley, proved helpful and
interesting.
Tuesday afternoon session:
The subject of "Arithmetic" was in
troduced by Mrs. Z. w. Hammond,
and lengthy and profitable discussion
followed.
Miss Phebe Strands subject, "Or-
biography" was handled in scholarly
manner. Many fine points were de-
veloped, among which new and APP
proved method of spelling "Turner"-
(phtholonyrrh).
"School Sanitation" responded to by
DR.. Il. S. Wright, was productive of
much valuable and practical informa-
ton.
"Recitations," by Miss Edna Gran
dali, was Introductory to many helpful
remarks following.
After the reading and approval of the
minutes the session closed to meet
Wednesday morning.
Pursuant to adjournment the Insti-
tute opened with calling the roll.
The first number on the program
was "School Morals" by Rev. + L..
Dyer. This was presented in an i'm
pressive and acceptable manner.
"U. 8. History" by Prof. White.
This usually dry subject was made in
tensely interesting by forceful and
original method Of presentation.
Teachers are urged to appeal to the
higher natures of their pupils: to emu
late the deeds and characters of our
great American patriots.
"Penmanship," by Miss Grace Boyce,
was carefully and ably presented.
1.-THE Flag and Patriotism" was re-
sponded to by Rev. J. M. G. Warren,
who spoke earnestly and forcefully,
arousing q warm wave of patriotism
that met hearty response.
The subject, ''Teachers' Wages" was
introduced by G. N. s. Tucker and ar
gued vigorously pro and con. The
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