Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-08-01
Institute Aftermath.

closed here July goth, was one Of
the most profitable Institutes ever
held in the county. The large en-
rollment and the intense interest
shown by those in attendance, are
evidences of the appreciation IF the
work done by the conductors and of
the desire on the part of the teach
ers for instruction along the lines
followed.
The excellent work done by Prof.
Shuts in library reading, arith-
metic, and school management; by
Prin. Gehrand in history and
geography; by Prin. Hatch in agrl-
Culture and algebra, all were highly
commended, and the development
OF the work of the manual along
these lines, were lessons much
reeded, and heartily approved
Primary reading and primary
language by Miss Calmerton az
tracted much attention, as this was
essentially a new feature in the
program of the institute. It is
plain to all that primary teaching
is naturally wOman's work, and it
is becoming more and more evident
that some special preparation, either
by training or by reasonable ex-
perience, is necessary to success in
the work. More than one-half of
the teaching done in the rural and
graded schools is really primary
work, hence the necessity of prepar
alton before assuming to take up
the work of teaching.
The instruction given in an insti-
tute is peculiar in it's nature. The
conductor endeavOrs to deal with
the actual and living conditions of
the daily school, and those problems
which confront the inexperienced
teacher are discussed and made
possible of solution.
No capable, progressive teacher
ever outgrows the work of the
institute. All teachers, whether
graduating from the college, normal
school, high school or rural school,
may profit from the work done
there, provided he come with
suitable frame of mind and with
proper intentions.
One encouraging feature Of this
institute was the attendance of
several teachers Of large experience,
and Of number of normal gradu-
ates. But a more hopeful feature
was the enrolment of a large class
o. recent high school graduates
who, before going out to take
charge of schools, realize the neces-
sity Of the preparation an institute
can give to aid them to meet sue
cessfully the difficulties which will
present themselves in their school
work
The record Of attendance on the |
institute is peculiar AMI interesting
to note. A few seem to think it |
their duty to enroll, think that their
duty ends there, so remain but a
short time; others attend the first
week then withdraw; still others
enroll the second week; but a large
majority enroll the first day and re-
main during the entire session. thus
getting the benefit Of every recita-
ton. In this last class consisting of
more than one hundred mem hers,
are found many of the best teachers
Of the county, and in the selection
of teachers, school officials will do
we'll to ascertain in which of the
classes above named, their appli-
cant for election belongs Faithful
attendance on the institute midi
Gates a desire on the part of a
teacher to try to fit himself to do
the best possible work for the chill
dren he may have in charge, and a
Willingness to spend a little time
and money to do this. In the selec-
ton of teachers, these conditions
should be encouraged by the offer
of reasonable wages. Indifference,
or neglect of opportunities to pre-
pare for the work of teaching,
should be regarded as indicating
but little anxiety for the welfare of
the school, or for earning the wages
paid.
1t is matter Of regret that many
teachers of the county, who could,
did not avail themselves of the
opportunity Of Strengthening their
work by attending the institute. In
many cases, those who did not at
tend need the instruction and train
ing much more than those who did
attend, and this means that some
children will suffer by their neglect.
The teacher who lacks tact, skill,
and resources is a hindrance to pro-
ccrnCC in MANY schools TT is frU0