Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-09-03
Virginia Colleges and Schools Soon to Reopen

grade certificate. thus removing the
weakest element in the field II is to
be hoped that the second.grade Ger
tihcate VIII soon meet the sane fate
and that in the near future all teachers
IN inc virginia public schools will have
professional training. with the on
portunities provided by the Stale for
the training of teachers, the four nor.
NAL schools FOR those who are able TO
get full training. and summer courses
tor those who can attend al that timo
only, II is no, merely the visionary
and the dreamer who should look for
ward 10 the time when all schools
shall demand that tho teachers be pre-
pared for the work they undertake.
and when salaries will be commensu-
rate with the amoun, Of preparation of
the teacher.
The normal schools were established
for the specific purpose of training
teachers to carry on the work of popu-
lar education In tho State Of Virginia
The central idea in these schools is
10 inspire young women to enter the
profession Of teaching with clear and
accurate ideas Of the various cduca-
tional problems that confront the pub
lie school teacher
IT is no longer deemed adequate that
an instructor tie proficient in subject
matter only; professional training must
bc added. Hence. even In the academic
work Of the schools. the professional
idea is emphasized Incidental instruc-
ton in methods is given everywhere in
connection with the presentation Of
subject matter. In the professional
work. liyh, is thrown upon tho laws
Of mental development. that these may
not he violated in the training of
youth; the prospective teacher studies
the evolution Of the educational ideals
Of today. and is brought face to face
with the teachers OF all ages. together
with their methods and systems
courses in school manag cement are de-
signed TO help her in organizing and
conducting a school upon sound ped
aCogical principles; and actual teach
ing, under the guidance and criticism
Of expert supervisors. rounds. out her
course.
These institutions send out no mex
receives her diploma IL means that she
has spent at least two entire years In
preparation for her teaching work and
that half-session Of that time has
been given up to actual experience in
The class-room-noi the experience
GAINED b, unframed teachers who go
into the public schools fresh from the
htcn schools ana other I'M itutions
which do not give professional train
Ing. who work gu, their Own saliva :
ton" As 10 methods. etc; but expert
euce whish s the putting into prac-
ticc what has been learned III more
thar a wear Of study in tho various
courses in psycholory. history OF odu-
cation. principles Of education. child
study. general methods. etc.
Every department in such an ins'i-
tuition lends It's assistance TO the De-
uartmcnt Of Education IN inspiring the
rounr teachers with tho loftiest Ideals
of what the true teacher should be.
and what sort NJ service should De
given TO the State.
Thus il becomes apparent that the
purpose Of a normal school is 10 give
10 tho teachers Of the State OF Viz
rinia the highest professional Skin pos
sihle in the training Of her futur" cit'-