The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-25
Do we Need Three
Neu Normal
Schools ,

I agree with Horace Mann that special
preparation Is u prerequisite to success-
full teaching. The time when lawyer
and a doctor could ply their professions
without first demonstrating their per-
sonai fitness is passed. In like manner
the demand for unskilled teachers is on
the wanc and in few years the pro-
fessional teacher will be the order of the
day as well as the professional lawyer
and doctor. There are teachers In yir-
sinia who arc KEEPING and not
TEACHING school in the true sense.
realize the fact that IL we should
accomplish the desired end in our pub
lie schools we must have trained teach
ers. Yet would 1t not be better for us
to make some provision for the grad
yates that are being turned out by the
two normal schools we already have be-
fore we launch into a wholesale normal
school system? The committee sent out
to investigate the conditions recommend
ed the establishment of three new schools
in different parts of the State. Would
they not have done well had they recon-
mended the enlargement and improve
ment of William and Mary and Farm
Vile? Would il not be better to place
these two schools on footing with the
normal schools of any other State be-
fore establishing three new ones and
thereby run the risk OF having five second
grade schools when we could have two
first grade?
do not mean that William and Mary
| and FarTnvilie are not doing a great and
good work. They are. believe, the best
that can be had under the present condi-
4
and made still better, SO that they can
accommodate all who are seeking train
ing for the teaching profession. 1t will
be better for the Virginia schools IL we
have 100 first class graduates each year
and keep them in Virginia schools than
have $50 OF an inferior grade, and then
let the best of these seek employment
in other States. because they cannot
live by their profession In Virginia. Our
rural schools need the attention. The
city schools are being cared for
The burden under which all rural school
officers labor Is a short session and
meagre salaries. 1 have in Gloucester
three school districts, with {; session of
5, LIZ and months. We pay the teach
ers In these districts an average monthly
salary of s24. SO and 500. respectively
Therefore, our teachers on n yearly sal
airy OF $40, 1928 or SlT4. are required to
defray all expenses and are expected to
( attend n summer normal four weeks dur
ing vacation.
Since the establishment of the two nor
nal schools. Gloucester has been we'll
| represented each year In the two schools.
We have seven girls at t'armville this
session and have had quite a number OF
graduates during the past years We
have teaching In Gloucester to-day only
two Farnville graduates, ard not one
t'tfrom William and Mary. And, while we
are almost within sound of the college
bell, we have had only five months SER
vice from her since 1889.
We are constantly losing some OF our
{ best teachers, graduates of FarmvilIe
and other reputable schools. because we
cannot offer sufficient inducement we
i have girls teaching in other parts of the
! State. who would gladly serve their ma
| tive county could they afford to do so.
| Then let the Legislature help the present
school system so that the rural districts
can get some OF the good teachers now
on the market before they increase the
supply.
7 could place normal teachers In any
| school In my county next session could
I offer remuneration commensurate with
| their worth. Moreover, we do not have
I to 20 to the normal for all the trained
| teachers. There are other schools in the
J State that are giving attention TO pre-
paring girls for school work, have
I teachers trained at other sehoo's--thnn
Farnlvle who are doing good work.
| Help us to lengthen our term and we
| will secure tea cheers at the present month
| " ray who will do good and effective
| service. IT. T.. BRIDGES. &
Hayes Store. Va. ~