tion with institutes, been so vigorous, nor the consequent labors so continuous and exacting. Plans were made during the winter and spring; courses of instruction were outlined; instructors were selected; reduced railroad rates secured, and all local arrangements perfected. As the result of this effort, teachers and school officers throughout the State were put in touch with the Central Office. County and city superintendents of schools and school trustees, almost without exception, responded at all times to requests made for their support, and many of them were enthusiastic in their efforts to carry out the policy of this Department. More than fifty per cent. of the superintendents, at their own. expense, urged teachers by letters, circulars, &c., to attend Peabody Institutes, and a number of them held teachers' meetings to excite a deeper interest in the institutes. District school trustees, in a number of cases, offered an increase of salary to those who would attend. This general awakening and marked enthusiasm will give decided force to the movement for State co-operation. The plans outlined contemplated completeness and harmony in the course of instruction, and the special fitness of each instructor for the work assigned him. Instruction in "subject-matter illustrative of principles and methods" was given. The wants of teachers were carefully studied, and effort was continually made to meet them. Irregular attendance, as heretofore, was a serious drawback. It renders an ideal institute, with a thorough and continuous course, imprac ticable. I know of no effective remedy for this difficulty short of legislative authority to hold institutes during school term, requiring the attendance of teachers, and paying them while in attendance. I am deeply impressed with the necessity of speedy action on the part of the State looking to the organization of teacher-training schools as a permanent department of the service, and shall at the approaching session of the General Assembly urge such action. Local funds raised by appropriations from town councils, school boards, &c., and tuition fees (at one institute) for these institutes amounted to about $1,500. This fund was used to supplement pay of instructors, and for necessary incidental expenses. THE SCHOOL SYSTEM will, in my judgment, derive much benefit from the State Educational Association meeting held at Bedford City, June 30th-July 3rd. Your unavoidable absence was universally regretted. The decided tendency to turn the meeting to practical account was truly gratifying. The discussions of the topics, "State Institutes," "Uniformity of State Examinations of Teachers," "Manual Training," "Form Study and Drawing in the Public Schools," and "Higher Education of Women," stimulated thought which will result in activity. A resolution was unanimously adopted requesting the State Superintendent to issue uniform questions to be used in the examination (held) simultaneously) of applicants for license to teach in the public schools. In accordance therewith, questions were prepared and issued, with regulations governing the examination, etc. The State Superintendent's plan for facilitating the payment of teachers' salaries was endorsed, and he was urged to bring it before the Legislature. Institutes were commended, and legislative appropriation urged. Numerous other measures for the good of the cause were acted upon. As the public school system is dependent upon the material and moral support accorded it by the people, it is essential that public sentiment be educated to a higher appreciation of the value of education, and of the necessity of keeping its development abreast with the progress in other activities. The school system grows and expands. The revenue which supported it five years ago, would not be sufficient now. The income for the current year would not meet the demands five years hence. Education must educate. With sincere thanks to the honorable Board of Trustees, and to you, for the work the Peabody Fund is doing in Virginia, and with assurances of appreciation of the same, I am Very truly yours, JOHN E. MASSEY, Superintendent. MONEY can be earned at our NEW line of work,, rapidly and honorably, by those of either sex, young or old, and in their own localities, wherever they live. Any one can do the work. Easy to learn. We furnish everything. We start you. No risk. You can devote your spare moments, or all your time.to the work. This is an entirely new lead,and brings wonderful success to every worker. Beginners are earning from $25 to $50 per week and upwards, and more after a little experience. We can furnish you the employment and teach you FREE. No space to explain here. Full information EE. TRUE & CO., AUGUSTA, MAINE. TEACHERS WANTED! For vacancies of all kinds in nearly every section of the United States. Write and learn about the wonderful success of our well-tried CO-OPERATIVE PLAN of obtaining vacancies, and filling positions through local agents and members. Circulars and appli. cation-blank FREE. Agents wanted. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY BUREAU, 147 Throop St., CHICAGO, ILL. July-August, '91-1 yr. TEACHERS' EXCHANGE, Drawer 906, Richmond, Va. Supplies Colleges, Schools and Families with TEACHERS WITHOUT CHARGE. TEACHERS DESIRING SITUATIONS will find it to their advantage to communicate with the EXCHANGE. CHARGES MODERATE. Correspondence solicited. Address, WM. F. FOX, Manager. JOSEPH GILLOTT'S THE MOST PERFECT OF PENS. FOR ARTISTIC USE in Fine Drawings, Nos. 659 FOR FINE WRITING, Nos. 303, 604, and Ladies', FOR BROAD WRITING, Nos. 294, 389, and Stub FOR GENERAL WRITING, Nos. 404, 332, 390, and JOSEPH GILLOTT & SONS, M'ch, '91-1 y'r HENRY HOE, Sole Agent. HAVE YOU TRIED THE Spencerian Steel Pens ? IF NOT A SAMPLE CARD of the leading numbers will be sent FREE on receipt of return postage, 2 CENTS. THE SPENCERIAN PEN CO., 810 Broadway, New York. Aug. 90-ty $3000 A YEAR! I undertake to briefly teach any fairly intelligent person of either sex, who can read and write, and wno, after instruction, will work industriously, how to earn Three Thousand Dollars a Year in their own localities, wherever they live,I will also furnish the situation or employment,at which you can earn that amount. No money for me unless successful as above. Easily and quickly learned. I desire but one worker from each district or county. I have already taught and provided with employment a large number, who are making over $3000 a year each. It's NEW and SOLID. Full particulars FREE. Address at once, E. C. ALLEN, Box 420, Augusta, Maine. Snug little fortunes have been made at work for us, by Anna Page, Austin, Texas, and Jno. Bonn, Toledo, Ohio. See cut. Others are doing as well. Why not you? Some earn over $500.00 a month. You can do the work and live at home, wherever you are. Even beginners are easily earning from $5 to $10 a day, All ages. We show you how and start you. Can work in spare time or all the time. Big money for workFailure unknown among them. NEW and wonderful. Particulars free. H.Hallett & Co., Box 880 Portland, Maine CHROMO REWARD CARDS. July-August, '91-9t JUST PUBLISHED Shoup's History and Science of Education BY WILLIAM J. SHOUP, M. S. Cloth. 12mo. 316 Pages. $1.00. For Institutes, Normal Schools, Reading Circles, and the Private Self-instruction of Teachers. This is the latest contribution to that pedagogic literature for which a demand has been created in America by the growing importance of the teacher's vocation and the consequent desire of progressive teachers to improve in their profession. It is designed as an aid to those who wish to investigate the laws of mental and moral development, with a view to determining the methods of instruction best adapted to the various stages of the child's unfolding intelligence. The book is both practical and theoretical. The first part is devoted to a consideration of the development of the mental and moral faculties; divisions of the intellect, etc., and in this connection much attention is given to kindergarten methods and object-lessons. The second part is mainly historical. Opening with a glance at the antedeluvian world and showing the importance of writing as an educational factor, it proceeds with a sketch of Chaldean, Babylonian and Assyrian education; systems of instruction in ancient Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome; medieval and modern methods; concluding with a survey of American education and the growth of the American common school system. Each chapter is followed by an Analysis and Supplementary Questions of special value in classes, and at the end of the book is a copious index. It is a clear, simple, interesting, helpful work, and should be read by every progressive teacher. It will be mailed to any address, on receipt of price, $1.00. Special terms to Teachers' Institutes, Normal Schools, and Reading Circles. Correspondence cordially invited. A Great Catalogue An adequate description of over two thousand school and college text-books makes quite a bulky volume. We have, therefore, found it convenient to divide our descriptive list into twenty-one sections, each devoted to a single branch or department of study. Any of these sections are sent to those interested on application. The subjects are: Write us which of these interests you. Many of the books described are new, and all are excellent representatives of their respective classes. New York Chicago American Book Company [Please mention the Educational Journal of Virginia.} |