Are teachers responsible for the conduct of their scholars while going to and from school? Decided in the negative. neglect the instruction of the younger scholars. The relative importance of different subjects was ably treated and their views, expressed at considerable length, were in a high degree satis Is the practice of "boarding round," as it is termed, as beneficial in its ultimate consequen-factory to the Institute. ces as it is to board at one place? Decided in the negative. Would declamation and writing compositions in common schools be beneficial? Decided in the affirmative.. Several other questions of some importance were discussed. which were either subsequently reconsidered by the Institute, and embodied in the form of a resolve, or were. by consent, erased from the minutes. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. The committee appointed to report to the Institute a daily order of exercises for a common school, consisted of the Misses Jones, Tuttle, and Andrews, and Messrs. Throop and Bundy. It is a matter of sincere regret that the space allotted to the publication of the proceedings of the Institute, will not admit the entire and able report of Mr Throop on this subject. It exhibited much practical knowledge of the duties of a teacher, and contained many valuable suggestions in regard to physical education, and sound views on the various common school exercises, &c. The following is the order of recitations for common schools as amended by the Institute, on examination of the report: 9 A. M., Reading a portion of the Scriptures, and hearing the first class in reading. 9 1-3. The second class in reading. 9 2-3. Reading and spelling of younger scholars. 10. Intellectual Arithmetic, 2d class. THE TEACHERS' CONFERENCE. Institute resolved itself into what may be During the last three days of the session, the termed the Teachers' Conference, during which time various topics connected with school keeping were submitted for consideration, and the members of the Institute were severally called upon to state their own experience and practice in teaching, and to express such views as they possessed in regard to these topics. The follow. ing are some of the subjects which were more or less fully considered during the conference: The best method of teaching the AlphabetThe best method of teaching Spelling, Reading, Orthography or the sounds of the letters, Penmanship, definition of words, &c. The follow. ing topics elicited many interesting remarks, the results of the experience of eminent and practical. teachers: First lessons to be committed to memory by children; Oral instruction; Story tel ling or anecdotes by the teacher; Self education; Biography; Mode of suppressing falsehood; Calling out classes for recitation; Study out of school hours; Proper degree of study for children; Physical education; School Libraries; District School Journal; &c. Very deep inter est was awakened among the members of the Institute, while these several topics were under consideration. On several occasions much zeal and learning were exhibited in placing these subjects before the Institute in such a manner as to give correct views and principles to those 10 1-3. Recess of ten minutes for each divi- who were inexperienced, and awaken in their sion. 10 2-3. Arithmetic, first class. 11. Geography, first class. 11 1-3. Reading and spelling of smaller scholars. 11 2.3. Spelling of 2d and 1st classes. 1. P. M. English Grammar, first class. 1 1.3. Second classes in Grammar and Geography. minds a lively sense of the teachers' high and responsible duties. The subject of physical education was commented upon with great earnestness, and the moral sense of the members of the Institute was appealed to in an eloquent manner, to give more attention to the subject and set such examples before the rising generation as would be safe to be followed. The following resolutions were ably advocated by seve 1 2.3. Arithmetic, 2d class, or reading of ral persons, and submitted to the young ladies smaller scholars. 2. Penmanship. of the Institute for their action, the gentlemen by consent declining to take any part in their 2 1.3. Recess of ten minutes for each divi. adoption : sion. 2 2-3. Intellectual Arithmetic. 3. Reading of smaller scholars. 3 1-3. Spelling and recitations of smaller scholars. 3 2-3. Spelling of the first class, and miscel aneous exercises. Resolved, That we, the members of the Teachers' Institute, regard physical education of the most vital importance, and that we will give increased attention to this subject in teaching our schools. Resolved, That we regard binding the human body with ligatures unnecessarily tight, to be attended with the most pernicious and often fatal consequences, and that we will discountenance it in our practice, and endeavor to persuade others to do the same by convincing them of its injurious tendency. The committee did not expect that this daily order of exercises for a common school could be exactly followed by all schools, or even by very few, without some modification, but regarding a time for every thing and every thing in its time, as of great importance to teachers, they thought| Resolved, That we consider the fashion plates the order proposed would serve as a guide to in our periodical magazines a representation of teachers in modelling a system for themselves. It a distortion of the human form, and calculated was supposed by the committee that scholars to be productive of great evil to those who are pursuing the higher branches of English educa-guided by them in their practice. The mover of tion would recite either before or after school, these resolutions remarked that the ladies might or during the recesses, or at such time as would not draw the teachers' attention from a due regard to the common branches and cause them to vote to lay them on the table, or reject them, or pass their opinion upon them, as they chose Their introduction bad elicited the desired infor. mation and discussion upon them, and his object had consequently been accomplished. It was immediately moved by several ladies at once, that the resolutions be adopted, and they were accordingly adopted by a large majority. The following resolutions were presented and adopted: Resolved, That the co-operation of parents with teachers is necessary to the successful discipline of schools. Resolved, That the wages of female teachers are not what their qualifications demand, or what they should be in comparison with those of the males. EXAMINATION OF TEACHERS. During the last three days of the Institute the County Supt. examined about 100 teachers, to most of whom he gave certificates for the towns in which they resided, declining to give county certificates to those whose schools he had not visited and satisfied himself of their ability to teach. He gave county certificates to several whose literary qualifications he knew, and whose success in teaching was such as to entitle them to that distinction. He devoted half a day to each class which he examined, and the Institute was divided into six classes for that purpose. The Institute closed its session on Wednesday, April 10th, and the occasion of separation of its members was one of unusual interest. They had felt that for two weeks, they had been la. boring in a common cause, and their minds had become deeply impressed with the responsibili. ties and duties of their vocation. They acknowledged that many new facts and principles had been set before them during the session, and with feelings of deep regret they rose up from the intellectual banquet which had been spread before them, and of which they had partaken so largely and agreeably. Mr McKoon delivered the concluding lecture at half past ten o'clock, in which he illustrated the duties of the teacher, especially in reference to order in his employment, kindness in his intercourse with his scholars, the proper character of his miscellaneous, moral and religious instruction. He addressed an appropriate exhortation to the members of the Institute to aim at excellence in their profession, and concluded with an affecting valedictory on their separation. After the address of Mr McKoon, resolutions were offered and adopted, the first of which, at the special request of several individuals who were present, has been somewhat altered in its style, and an additional sentiment introduced. Resolved, That we, the members of the Institute, heartily approve of such temporary Normal Schools as the one just closed for the first time in Chenango Co., and that we feel deeply indebted to D. R. Randall, Co. Supt., for the valuable instructions which the Institute has afforded, and that we recommend a continuation of such schools to be held annually at such time and place as the Co. Supt. shall think proper. Resolved, That we tender our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Mr. Mc Koon, for his able and instructive lectures on Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and Astronmy, and also for his arduous labor and care, during the entire session. Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the eachers of the Institute for the gratuitous and philanthropic services they have rendered during the session, in the plan and routine of teaching, the means requisite for preserving order in school, the divisions of time and arrangement of classes, and of impressing the principles of morality on the youthful mind and exciting it to the pursuit of knowledge and virtue. Resolved, That the clergy, in their able and appropriate addresses before the Institute, and in their hearty co-operation with us in sustaining it, are entitled to our highest regard, as the patrons of education generally. The large and attentive audience rose while the members of the Institute sung a parting hymn, mingled as it was with the most unfeigned and friendly expressions of attachment from every countenance, their tears bespeaking the true sentiments of the heart, and deeply affecting the audience which had assembled to witness the parting scene. The Institute and congregation were dismissed with a feeling and appropri ate benediction by the Rev. Mr. Burtis, when the parting salutation and separation ensued. HERKIMER COUNTY CONVENTION OF TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS OF COMMON SCHOOLS. Agreeably to public notice, the Town Superintendents of Common Schools, for the county of Herkimer, assembled in Convention at Wash ington Hall, in the village of Little Falls, at 11 o'clock A. M. on Friday, the 14th day of June, 1844; WM. BROOKS, Jr. Esq., President; STEPHEN BOWEN, JEFFERSON TILLINGHAST, Vice-Presidents; JEREMIAH OSTRANDER, Secré tary. The President, on taking the chair, briefly and appropriately addressed the convention. In conformity to the rules of proceedings, the business of the day was opened by prayer by the Rev. Mr. Dennis. The County Superintendent said, it had occurred to him, that a code of rules briefly indica. ting the principal duties of scholars, printed in large and fair type, and hung up in each schoolhouse in the county, would be found a useful monitor to both teachers and pupils. Such had already been adopted in many of the best regulated schools in the country, and with the leave of the convention he would then submit a code which he had drawn up for that purpose. Mr. Henry then read as follows: EXCELSIOR. Rules for this School. 1. I MUST BE REGULAR IN MY ATTENDANCE. This rule requires me to attend the school every day it is kept, and in good season in the morning and in the afternoon. 2. I MUST PRACTISE CLEANLINESS. This rule requires me to be neat in person. My face and hands, my clothes, books and papers must always be clean. I must not mark with chalk or charcoal upon the walls, either within or without the school-house. I must not scribble upon my writing books, reading books, nor upon the desk or table. I must keep my writing books free from blots. I must clean my shoes or boots before entering the schoolhouse. I must not spit upon the floor. I must keep the school-house yard and out-buildings clean. I must not cut the desks, seats, or any part of the school-house or out-buildings with knife. 3. I MUST SUPPORT GOOD ORDER. This rule requires that I shall make no unnecessary noise with my feet, with the door, or in any other way on going in or on coming out of the school-house-on getting my place in the class, or my seat from the class. I must make no noise with my lips while reading to myself. I must not whisper to others in study hours. 4. I MUST BE INDUSTRIOUS. This rule requires me to fix my thoughts upon my lesson, and to keep them steadily upon it, until I have learned it well. It forbids me to sit looking carelessly about the school-room, neg. lecting my lesson and setting a bad example for others. 5. I MUST UNDERSTAND MY LESSONS THOROUGHLY. MONTGOMERY PROCEEDINGS OF ITS COMMON SCHOOL A860CIA- The association assembled at Fonda on the [We have been compelled to abridge the proceedings of this interesting meeting. They oc cupy more than a page of the Fonda Sentinel, and are deeply interesting to the friends of education.] stated the objects of the meeting to be the adopMr. Moulton, the County Superintendent, tion of measures for the improvement of our common schools and also the formation of a rintendents, teachers, and friends of education. permanent county association of town supe This rule forbids me to use any word in conversation without knowing distinctly what par. ticular thing I intend to represent by it. It for all the town superintendents except from Root, The secretary called the names of delegates; bids me to read any word in a book without answered to their names, also 3 teachers from knowing clearly and distinctly what the author Amsterdam, 6 from Mohawk, 3 from Palatine, meant to represent by it. In grammar, in arith-1 from Minden, 1 from Canajoharie, 4 from metic, in geography, and in every other study, Root, 3 from Glen, and 5 from Florida. it forbids me to assert anything before I can give the right reason for making the assertion. This is the most important rule for acquiring knowledge, and it is the rule which has been the most neglected. I must not be guilty of such neglect. 6. I MUST BE OBEDIENT. This rule requires me to believe that my parents and teachers know the things that I ought to do, and the way in which they ought to be done, better than I do. I cannot, therefore, be a good child or a good scholar unless my obedience to my parents and teachers be prompt and cheerful. 7. I MUST DO TO OTHERS AS I WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO TO ME. This rule requires me to be just, true and kind. I must never do any act to another that under the same circumstances I would not wil. lingly have done to me. This is the most perfect rule for regulating our actions towards each other, and no person can be either good or honorable who does not strive to observe this rule. 8. I MUST ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH. This rule forbids me ever to misrepresent or conceal anything which others have a right to know. It requires me, on all occasions, to speak according to fact, or not speak at all. It is base, cowardly and wicked to lie, and every child who desires to be either honored or happy must love and speak the truth. 9. I MUST NEVER PUT OFF TILL TO-MORROW WHAT CAN BE DONE TO-DAY. 10. I MUST READ THESE RULES EVERY DAY, These rules were unanimously approved, and recommended to be placed in the manner proposed in every school-house in the county. Mr. Henry next submitted a report upon Text-Books. This was long, able and interesting, and cordially and unani nously approved and adopted. After resolving to hold another convention previous to the winter schools, the convention adjourned. Old Herkimer will not easily be excelled in efforts to secure and diffuse the blessings of education. Her motto is "onward." Amsterdam-town superintendent, H. M. Dewey; No. of schools, 15. Mohawk-S. Van Allen; 12. Palatine-A. Hees; 10. St. Johnsville-Jno. Nellis; 8. Minden-U. Potter; 15. Canajoharie-Winther Reagles; 21. Root-Dr. Snow; 13. Charleston-F. Hoag; 12. GlenE. Jenkin; 10. Florida-J. R. Herrick; 12. the town superintendents made a report of the After the adoption of a constitution, each of schools under his superintendence. Mr. Sprague, the County Superintendent of Fulton, gave some account of the plans adopted in that county. The committee appointed to report relative eligibility for teaching, submitted the following: to recommending a grade of studies requisite to In addition to a correct knowledge of orthography, the art of reading, and writing, Grammar, mental and written Arithmetic, Natural ation, teachers are recommended to prepare Philosophy, History, Composition and Declamthemselves, as soon as possible, for teaching the following branches, viz: Astronomy, Geometry, Algebra, Science of Government, Chemistry, Linear Drawing, the use of Globes, and the rudiments of Vocal Music. Mr. E. Jenkins, chairman of committee on resolutions, reported the following, which were adopted. REPORT: The committee appointed to draft resolutions for the consideration of the association, believ ing that it is essential to the success of the common school enterprise, that parents should take a deep interest in the mental and moral culture of their children, beg leave to submit the following resolutions. Resolved, That as a means of awakening and keeping alive such interest, we earnestly re. commend that parents read the volumes of the District School Journal, and also a work entitled the "School and Schoolmaster." That they frequently examine their children as to the progress they make in the acquisition of knowledge. That they often visit the schools. That they encourage and sustain the teacher. That in their visits and intercourse as neighbors they make the education of their children John Drake, President; J. G. K. Truair, V. President; A. P. Strong and J. S. Pattengill, Secretaries. primary subject of conversation and discussion. That the irregular attendance of pupils at school is highly detrimental to their interests, and to the interests of the school which they at- On motion, the convention received the followtend, and that it is the duty of parents and guar-ing gentlemen as substitutes for the towns not dians to correct this evil, by seeing that children represented by their respective town superintendunder their charge are prompt and regular in ents, viz: Messrs. L. S. Chatfield, E. N. Bartheir attendance at school. ber, Wm. D. Stocker, L. S. Bundy, L. S. Bowen and Wm. Pattengill. That teachers frequently visit the parents and patrons of the school, and make it their business to be eloquent in the cause of education; evincing in truth that "the Schoolmaster is abroad." That those who are alarmed at the expense necessarily incurred in sustaining well regulated schools, would find a much better cause of alarm in the enormous expenses entailed upon the community by the evils of ignorance. That teachers may be greatly benefited by visiting each others' schools, and becoming acquainted with the different modes of instruction and of discipline pursued in each; and that this association accordingly recommend this practice as generally and as frequently as is consistent with other duties. By Dr. Potter; Resolved, That we, the members of this association, tender to Mr. Moulton, the superintendent of this county, our warmest sympathies, and promise him our ardent support and co-operation in the discharge of the subsequent duties of his office. Mr. Bowdish, from the committee on teachers' institutes, read and submitted a report and reso. lutions, from which we extract as follows: The committee on a teachers' institute desire to report, that in every stage of their investigations they have found themselves interested and admonished, but must confine themselves to the importance,feasibility and fitness of this measure. A slight survey of the actual condition of our common schools, will force the mortifying conclusion that a lamentable deficiency exists, after all that has been done by public munificence for their elevation and efficiency; and that although teaching a common school, common school edu, cation, and the district school-house, are associations which have clustered around us from the nursery up to manhood, yet some of the best among us, some of the most acute and critical in their observations upon causes and their practical results, seem to be just emerging from a region of shadows and appearances into one of realities and tangible forms; and standing in our present responsible position, the past presents a scene of mortification and regret, the fu ture of expectation and hope. Although there THIS important county is also aroused to the are many ingredients in this scene of mortificaconsideration of the great cause of our country-tion and regret,it is the opinion of your commituniversal and thorough education-and nobly leads on the work of reform. JOHN FREY, President. The convention sat two days, and its reported proceedings manifest that devotion to duty, which promises the most beneficent results. gret that we can only give paragraphs, where we would gladly publish every detail. [From the Freeman's Journal.] tee that a want of well qualified teachers, constitutes a very important part. We intend by this remark, no reflection on a class of individuals who have expended a vast amount of mental and physical exertion, without enjoying a proportionate share of public attention, or receiving a fair We recompensation for their vexatious, though important, toils: we believe in many instances they have done the best they could under existing circumstances: nor would we indulge or encourage a spirit of unthankfulness, for the benefactions and exertions which have been made for their advantage and improvement. OTSEGO COUNTY COMMON SCHOOL CONVENTION. The town superintendents of common schools of the several towns of Otsego county, assembled It is now an opinion that prevails extensively, in convention, pursuant to adjournment, at the perhaps universally-that the profession of teachChristian Church, in the village of Laurens, on ing should be as respectable as any in society; Tuesday the 11th of June, 1844, at 10 o'clock and that this estimate must be placed upon it, A. M., and was called to order by Mr. Lewis before all the advantages contemplated can be R. Palmer, county superintendent, on whose secured. It is also acknowledged that the feelmotion it was temporarily organized, by the ap-ings and opinions of men, are governed to a conpointment of HERVEY WILBER, Esq., of West-siderable extent by appearances and names. ford, Chairman, and Mr. JOHN S. PATTENGILL, of New-Lisbon, Secretary. On calling the list of superintendents, the fof lowing persons answered to their names: COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT-L. R. Palmer, Cooperstown. TOWN SUPERINTENDENTS-Butternuts, J. G. K. Truair; Burlington, L. D. Brown; CherryValley, L. H. Robinson; Decatur, Amos Bourne; Eameston, Wm. H. Brown; Hartwick, Wm. S. Bowdish; Laurens, A. P. Strong; Middlefield, L. H. Bowen; Maryland, D. H. Sevier; New Lisbon, John S. Pattengill; Otego, David B. Shepherd; Oneonta, Andrew G. Shaw; Pittsfield, O. Adams; Plainfield, R. Huntley'; Unailla, J. S. Palmer; Westford, Hervey Wilber. From these two axioms we may see, that the respectability of teaching will be graduated by the character of the institution where instructors are taught. And will any person pretend to say that a mere appendage to a seminary or an academy can be as respectable in the eyes of the people, as original, independent institutions having their own professors, presidents and buildings, apparatus, &c. Your committee deem it impos sible in the nature of things. Your committee respectfully suggest that young persons who are preparing to teach, will not be as well instructed in the theory or practice of teaching in the above appendages, as they would be in a teacher's institution. It is believed, without intending any disrespect to those who have the charge of academies and seminaries, their work, but where is their appropriate effithat professors cannot feel the same interest in ciency. Let each of these persons be thoroughtheir lectures and instructions to pupils of a sub-ly educated in the branches of science to be ordinate department, as would be felt by the professors of a teachers' institute, where instructions and lectures on school-keeping would be their sole and constant business. taught, and let them be made familiar with the best methods of imparting instruction, and what an influence might in this way be brought to bear upon the public mind; what an inconceiv. ably happy result might be produced upon the thousands of young persons and children who are soon to wield the destinies of this section of our mighty nation. We venture to predict that in the short reversion of a single year the schools of this county would put on a character and assume an efficiency perfectly astonishing to the most enthusiastic and sanguine of all our people. Therefore, Resolved, That the subject of edu Lastly, the method of teaching in an academy or college and in common schools, is so very dissimilar; the state of mind to be reached and the object to be secured so peculiar to each, that it is certainly possible that an individual may be abundantly qualified to fill the professorship of a college or a seminary, and still be essentially deficient in the chair of a teachers' institute. Your committee know of several young gentlemen of respectable parentage as well as intelleccating teachers for common schools, demands tual culture, who spent several weeks in an aca- the serious and immediate attention of this condemic school not long since, and then went out vention. as school teachers, but were under the mortifying necessity of returning to their homes before they had completed the term for which they contracted. It requires no far reaching mind to perceive that if these young men had so been instructed as to be apt to teach," that a far different, more honorable and less perplexing result might have been obtained. Some whom we have examined, will solve a problem in algebra and pass well in astronomy, &c., and yet cannot tell the sound of b or r or ch, and are equally wanting in the elementary branches of science. Last session of our state legislature was sig. nalized for the unanimous passage of a bill for the organization of a regular Normal School for the education of teachers. This last measure has been adopted as an experiment, and if successful, is designed as a beginning, for subsequent repetition. Your committee rejoice that the good work is begun. As to the departments, they are so exceedingly sparse, that they must, to the great body of teachers, be remote, so exceedingly renote, that but a small fraction of them can possibly enjoy their advantages, and the only remedy now left us is to look back to our high schools and academies generally, and try to throw around them such guards and obtain such assurances as shall give us some relief from the anxiety which has so long distressed us-to engage spiritedly in teachers' drills, call out teachers' meetings, and organize educational associations, unti! something more satisfactory can be obtained. The interest which has existed among legis. lators upon the subject of general education, is still alive. Past enactments made for it upon the petition and sometimes upon the suggestion of the people, authorize us to conclude that they may be approached again. Your committee would suggest, in view of the magnitude of the object intended to be secured; the proper education of the entire mass of the rising generation, that the appropriation for the education of teachers be increased to something like the public demand for it, and that instead of having here and there a mere appendage to a seminary, or one normal school, that there be an independent seminary to educate teachers in every county of our state; and thus let the sentiment of the Hon J. A. Dix be reduced to a reality, namely, "it is advisable to establish separate seminaries for the education of teachers." There are, during the year, 410 individuals employed as teachers in the commen schools of this single county. Here are your materials, and there is And Whereas, There is no certain prospect that this important object can be obtained from the seminaries now among us, Therefore, Resolved, That this convention, take immediate steps for the organization of a Teachers' Institute for the county of Otsego. All of which is respectfully submitted. On motion of Mr. Chatfield, the report was laid on the table for further consideration; and the convention adjourned to 7 o'clock in the evening. EVENING SESSION. Mr. Pierce, of Rome, Oneida co., by uvitation. occupied the evening session by an address upon the moral, intellectual and physical culture of man. He treated this important and comprehensive subject with much ability, and evinced a thorough acquaintance with every branch of educational reform. Mr. P. gave a very graphic description of the condition and wants of our common schools, and an able and comprehensive view of a system of popular education adapted to the preparation of the citizen for the discharge of his various and complicated duties arising from the social condition and peculiar institutions of this country. On motion, the convention proceeded to the consideration of the reports in their order. The report on Teachers' Institutes, was taken up, and the resolutions considered separately. They were discussed at length, by Messrs. Chatfield, Bowdish. L. R. Palmer, Truair, Gillam, L. D. Brown and Wilber; and the report and the first resolution, were adopted. The question being on the adoption of the second resolution, Mr. Tiuair moved to strike out the second resolution and the preamble accompanying it, and adopt the following as a substitute: Resolved, That in view of the success which has attended the establishment of voluntary Teachers' Institutes, and the efficient aid thus rendered in the thorough preparation of teachers, this convention take immediate steps for the organization of a Teachers' Institute for the county of Otsego. The preamble and resolution were stricken out and the substitute was adopted. After many discussions of the leading measures of educational reform, and the adoption of many admirable resolutions,-On motion of Mr. Pattengill, it was Resolved, that the convention adjourn to meet at Cooperstown on the Tuesday after the second Monday of April, 1845, |