Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1905-02-17
To Whom it May Concern.

To Whom it May Concern.
The decision has been made to hold a
Teachers Institute at Lawrenceburg,
beginning Jnne II and continuing four
weeks, with the usual examinations at
the close. Substantial assistance is ex-
pected from the State Department Of
Education, but however this may be a
four weeks institute, with an able and
competent corps of instructors. will be
held. The policy of the Department of
Education of Lawrence County this
year. shall be to raise the professional
standard of teachers for the county, to
such Il degree, that We may have an i'm
provement in the teaching force COM
mensurate with the increased school
fund and improved school facilities.
III must agree that this should be
done, and doubtless those who are fam
liar with such matters, will agree with
me that it can be best done, under the
present circumstances aud conditions,
by an efficient and lengthy institute,
and rigid examinations.
But while this is true, we are not ig-
norant of the fact that these do not
embrace every thing that should be col-
sidered in determining whether to gran,
or withhold a certificate.
We believe that the general intelrl-
gence and natural fitness of the.i appH
cant is entitled to inipoitahr .eo,lsi,lefi
alton, an therefore these Qualities vii,
not be overlooked;in arriving ists;o uc o.,
clus,n in MISREPRESENTATION
ing certificates. "
1t is suggnstel to all pro 'pective
teachers that it might be well to supply
themselves with the primary books O!
the lately adopted series and become
familiar with their contents and
arrangement. By so doing they would
be refreshed for the examinations, and
prepared to do good work from the
beginning of their terms of school.
Inquiry has been made by some as tc
what books, or authors, would be the
basis for my examinations; my answer
4 is that the examination will be broat
! and comprehensive, based on subjects
rather than books. The intention vii
be to make them of such character as to
! test the general intelligence and capa
bility OF the applicant as we'll as hi,
specific knowledge of the subject unde
consideration.
Formal announcement of the insttut,
will be issued giving full details of the
work, as soon as all preliminary matter
can be arranged. Every teacher will b.
expected to attend and we hope none O
our friends will embarrass us with re
quests to excuse them, for it is our posi-
tive and deliberate decision to excuse n
person from attendance, whose duty
is to attend the institute.
In conclusion, We wish to state posi-
lively that the school law and the in
= structions of the State Superintendent
of Public instruction will be our guild
in the administration of the schoo
affairs of the county, aud only sucl
action will be taken IN any matte
pertaining to the schools as the law an
= his instructions fully warrant.
/ say this because it has been the Gus
tom, heretofore, in this county by me
as well as others, to enforce the la,
with much laxity and obey the instruct
ions of the State Superintendent with
very generous discretion.
/ hope all will cooperate with me i
!. this effort to raise the professional stand
ard in the County.
I, 1t gives me great pleasure to stat
e that we have secured the services of Mis-
s Maude Moore, former County Superiu
d tendent Of Shelby County to deliver
n series of lectures on the History G
it Education during the institute. She
70 a teacher of marked ability and of wild
IS and varied experience, and has bee
!. prominent in the C mncils of the stat
e school officers association for .seyers
n years.
# L. B. WHITE,
i Co, SUPP.