The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-05-26
MR.. DAVIS MAKES
A FINE ADDRESS
lfenrico Superintendent Talks
Eioquently of the Work OF
Teachers League.
BENEFITS ARE lflCALCULABLE
Public Interest Is Aroused, and
Fine Results Are Being
Secured.


IN recent report of the Superin-
tendon; of Public Instruction, publish
ed in the TimesD Dispatch, Mr.. Eggles-
tor seid
Concerning the remarkable volun-
terr work now being done in the
state through the agencies of the
State Teachers Association and the
Citizens Improvement Leagues of the
Cooperative Education Association |
may say that not Il week passes with
out the organization of one or more
Teachers Associations or School In
provcment Leagues. More than half
of the teachers are enrolled in the
various local teachers associations
and they are very active in keeping
alive the interest throughout the
State. y still more interesting situat-
ion. probably. is the fact that the
teachers at time when their schools
are about to close are more active. If
possible. than they were at the be-
ginning OF the session, 1t seems that
they rcai2e that the present move
inent in Virginia is not for year or
a limited period of time. but perman-
ent in every respect. The increased
professional zeal of the teachers is
one of the most encouraging features
OF the present educational revival"
Discussion Recalled.
This calls to mind the able discus
sion of the value of the local teachers
associations before the state Teachers
Association on November "a, 1906.
The speakers were Superintendent
Jackson Davis and Principal Il. W.
o2lin superintendent Davis spoke as
follows:
"Mr. President Ladies and Gentlemen:
rejoice with you in the assembling
of so large number of teachers TO
consider the great purposes of this
organiZat ton and to make ready to
push forward into larger work.
venture 10 say that this is quite diff
ferent meeting from any that We have
ever had In the past. 1t is different
in the time at which we are assem-
bled, not during vacation, not at
summer normal or as n mera side
issue, but at a time set apart from
the midst of the teaching year. while
the best of the session is yet before
us, this valuable time has been given
for this work. Moreover 1t has APP
peared worth while for your associat-
ion to send you here as a represen-
tatve; it has appeared worth while
TO the superintendent and trustees
not only to gather Themselves. but to
arrange n way for YOU to he here; and
1t has appeared worth while for you
to leave your important work for q
season and TO come long distances 10
be here, while the happy word is be-
ing spoken everywhere that this is a
memorable week for public education
In Virginia and an occasion FOR pro-
found gratitude.
Interest Aroused.
In view Of this universal recognition.
II seems unnecessary to speak of the
value OF Local Teachers Associations,
n which this organization Is made up
and Tor which il stands, There are
those. however, who believe that this is
Only 30 muah talk that Will soon pass
away. bat tie very fact that so much
% his talk ahounds. nat 30 much in
tsresl has besn aroused In tie public
schoo.s among all classes OF people.
ana t1at 50 much hitherto potential
energy Aas become available for active
ferTie@ is not only significant But
crssl@s = problem how 70 use and d.
rsct il al III Tie most ctficlant manner.
Ihere Is need ~ earnest and serious
elaboration. and ! beleye That il is
Il s1ch = spir!i that we are assembled.
Not All Talk.
u 'zlE we're al4 X would pe nothing.
by taere has BEEN unparalleled ac-
tlT.ty. l 40 III 'us.sess to know ali
uaout tho l.'stSfy- Of this movement,
but ! vel remember when :. few vesrs
tack when the teachers Of ,Ee STAGE
were organizing themselves into 2
Teachers League and later int9
IesrherE Association, ins!rting on brit
ter scHoois, better teacher longer
terms. better salaries, and tAz g-oBz-
ing OF public spirit !R puDiBa eaueat-
ion. Powerful! allies hare ur5sF come
cation Association and tie mol Inc
LIN g.fgt #a..