The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-19
COUNTY TEACHERS FOUND INSTITUTE
 MOST PROFITABLE
Total Enrolment of 1153. Periods Shortened on Final Day and Certificates
 Are Distributed
By FLORA MrLNrR HARRISON


 Jefferson county's annual institute for riods were shortened so that the entire schedule was completed by noon, when certificates of attendance were issued. The total enrolment was 1153 Between 6oc and TOO of this number are teachers in the city schools, most of the others are in the county schools and few are not teaching or are from other counties.
 Numberless excellent educational meet ings have been held in Birmingham but the institute which closed yesterday was one of the best, in point of being practical and efficient, that has been held here No session was given to anything other than work bearing directly on the teach CTS duties for the coming year. The teachers were given a better understand ing of community organization and of the relative importance of household and do- mestic arts than they have ever had. and proper methods of teaching spelling. reading, language and writing were taught and emphasized as they have not been
 in any previous institute. The plan of centering attention on these threel se- lected topics has proved to be what the teachers needed.
 To teachers in out-of- town schools the use of the high school domestic science kitchen, gymnasium and shops was an advantage that will be worth much to them in their own teaching of cooking, games and woodwork. Miss Mae Hansis, domestic science teacher at the High school, and instructor in cooking in the institute, was not only capable as a teacher. but personally she aided the teachers.
 This was true of each of the instruc- tors. There was not one who failed to put into his teaching an interest be- yond the letter of instruction. About 200 teachers are new in the city or the county schools, and they have been as- sisted by the weeks instruction as to the manner of conducting their work for the winter, while teachers who are familiar with the routine have been given new ideas for teaching
 From the first day it has been evil dent that definite aims were in view, and they account for the efficiency in every department. Another point noted was the interest shown by directors who have recently come to the county or city school system. These are Miss Jennie Mae Rosser, N. R. Baker. E. B. Err win, D. M. Anthony and G. G. Weathers- | bee. Their interest and their ability were proved during the institute
 | This has been signally successful at | tempt to prepare the teachers more per | fectly for their teaching, to unify the schools, and to enable each teacher tc | meet the requirements of his community | That it was success is due very largely | to MT. Glenn, who was conductor His experience in conducting the institute for several years was used profitably, and back of this was the determination thai the institute should really be a benefit to the teachers and should contribute | to the improvement of school conditions throughout the county
 l He was assisted by R. F. Tidwell, joint | conductor, and by 40 or more teachers
 principals and supervisors. Of this mum. Der some taught a large part of the time while others assisted during one or more periods The difficult task of handline the registration, fees, and of keeping an accurate record of attendance was ir charge of R. L. Dimmitt, who was assist. | ed by 20 teachers who acted as clerks
 and kept department rolls. John C. Black. well, principal at the Cunningham school was responsible for the halls; and with several ushers he kept the halls, dining I room and auditorium from becoming crowded. Both the dining room and au- ditorium were taxed and ushers were very necessary. As result of theil 1 service there was a decided decrease ir
 the noise and confusion
 l Visitors to the institute were Dr. Fred. erick Losey from the university; George Duncan of Auburn and Superintendent l William Feagin and James L.. Sibley o1
 the state department of education.