The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1917-03-05

University of Pennsylvania had ITS be
ginning in an academy designed IN
part as a school for teachers.
The first normal school in America
was founded by Rev. Samuel K. Hall
at Concord Corner, VT, March, 1882.
Teacher training in high schools was
provided bv legislative act in New
York state as early as 1927. The first
state normal school in America WAS
established at Lexington, Mass, in
1850
The purpose a the first normal shool
in America at Concord Corner unde,
Rev. Hall was the elevation "f the
schools by improving the qualifications
of the teachers. The first term was
commenced III his own house, but was
soon after removed to convenient
hall, over one of the stores III the WI
lage. Better accommodations Were
soon after demanded by the great in
crease in the number of students who
attended this school. An academy
| building was erected. \ course of
study was arranged and teachers
classes formed during the first year,
| but during the second year regular
normal course was instituted. Lectures
on the theory and practice of teaching
were given during the spring and au,
! tumn of each year, intended TO Illus
trate improved methods of both teach
ing and governing schools. a small
volume of these lectures was prepared
for publication in lo2S, anu published
III 1929, being the first attempt of this
kind in the western continent, if not
in the world. This volume, according
> to Hemcnwav's Vermont Historical GaZ
etteer, was received with great favor
Several editions were issued and sold
One edition of 10000 copies was pur
chased by the state of New York ant
placed in each school district of tn,
state.
j Henry Barnard said Of Rev. Hall ano
his school:
I" Here in an obscure corner of New
England, under the hand of one whC
was to remarkable degree, self
taught, self-prompted and alone il
planning il, was an institution with al
the essential characteristics of a nor
NAL school, Is years (l6 years befor'
the Massachusetts development of tn
, normal school at Lexington.
Teacher training in high schools
which is next in order chronologicallv
will be considered after the discussion
of normal schools.
The first public agitation of the nor
NAL school idea in this country wa
, started by Charles Brooks of Medford
Mass. In 1885, Mr.. Brooks called
convention of the citizens of Plymouth
, to whom he opened the whole matte
as clearly and strongly as he could
showing that the great work must frs
begin by founding a state normal schoo
in Plymouth county. At one of theS
conventions, Daniel Webster and job
: Quincy Adams were present, and CAV
2 expressions of approval of the feelin
and sentiment which had been deve
g oped by contact with enthusiastic leaC
i erS of the movement Mr.. Webste
l. said that the ultimate aim was to ell,
{ waite and improve the primary school
but that there was still q larger View
/ that every man and woman, ever
II brother and every sister, is teacher
THAT parents are eminentlv teacher.
d that if normal schools are to teac
X teachers, they make teachers, maiO
d itv of whom will ultimately becom
Il parents: and all who in any way inf
" ence children, more nearly competel
to their high office; that in the fami
II there would be better teaching; al
that the effect would be felt throug