Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-09-25
TEACHERS INSTITUTE
WAS A BIG SUCCESS
Instructors of County Schools
Heard Inspiring Addresses
at Sessions Here.

The Gratiot County Teachers In
stitute held in Alma yesterday and
today is proving an inspiration to
all who attend, both teachers and
other citizens. The first session
opened at the high school auditorium
Wednesday morning with Supt. +. +.
Fell of Holland as conductor.
The opening exercise consisted of
an inspirational song service conduct
ed by Miss Joan Sherman, musical
director of Alma public schools. Rev.
Gelston of the Presbyterian church
invoked Divine blessing, after which
Hon. f. b. Pearson, Superintendent
of Public instruction of Ohio, was in
troduced and spoke upon the theme,
"The Reconstructed School" DR..
Pearson said he was not seeking
popularity but speaking in behalf of
an education, the purpose of which
is to train the boys and girls into the
kind of men and women we would
like them to be in future years. He
staid the teaching of reading, writing,
arithmetic, etc, wer only means to
an end, but the real things that con-
tributed to the best manhood and
womanhood. were imagination, initia-
tive, aspiration, appreciation, integ-
rlty. loyalty, sense of responsibility
and reverence, and he gave very
apt illustration of each one of these
attributes which entered into the life
of every successful man and woman.
No one could listen to the words of
Dr. Pearson and not be inspired TO
do greater things and render more
faithful service.
After the recess period, Miss Sher-
man rendered very pleasing vocal
solo, and President ID. B. Waldo of
Kalamazoo Normal School was intro
duced and spoke upon "The Future
of the Teaching Profession"
He urged the need of more and
better training and emphasized this
by stating that over fifty thousand
teachers in the United States have
but an eighth grade education, one
hundred thousand but a ninth grade.
and two hundred thousand but a
tenth grade eduation. One-half of all
the teachers are under twenty five
years of age and the average pay is
rediculously small amounting to only
$500 per year which is not sufficient
for decent living in these times.
He said many men and women are
leaving the teaching profession be-
cause the pay is not adequate and
unless something is done to provide
better pay. the most important serv-
ice of educating the people of the
country for the great duties of cit
zenship will fall into the hands of
young and inexperienced people He
urged the establishment of a De-
partment of Education with a Sec
rotary of Education a member of the
Presidents cabinet. He said the
time has gone by when schools can be
run on gush and sentiment; they
must be conducted upon a business
basis by competent people or fail
iut StSSlOl was NtlQ dl
the Presbyterian church and the
teachers were given an unusual treat
in the way Of an organ recital by
Miss Roberts and solo by Professor
Hosmer, of the Alma College Depart
ment of Music, both of which were
greatly appreciated
President Waldo spoke on "Some
Fundamentals of Good Teaching"
and DR.. Pearson spoke of "The
School and the Community" Both
addresses were very helpful and gave
Gratiot county teachers some real
food for thought and a message to
carry back to the boys and girls.
The morning session opened with
song service, with invocation by
Rev. Priest of the Baptist church,
and Supt. f. f. Fell gave very
helpful address upon the theme, "The
Professional Spirit"
Two hundred thirty people have
enrolled. and Commissioner Howard
Potter is to be congratulated upon
the success of this educational meet
ing which has been a source Of in
spiration to all who attended.
CuIfRCu WORI IN MEETING