The following is a list of the names and duties of the present corps of instructors: DAVID P. PAGE, A. M., principal. GEORGE R. PERKINS, A. M., Professor of Mathematics. DARWIN G. EATON, Teacher of Mathematics, &c. TRUMAN H. BOWEN, Teacher of Vocal Music, &c. teaching the district schools of the State, and when thus But besides this, the idea is constantly kept before engaged they were regarded as having attainments the minds of the students that they have made a solequal to the other district school teachers of their own emn promise that they will become teachers of disage, and yet these introductory examinations show trict schools. It is spoken of, therefore, as a matter most conclusively, that the most of them did well in of course, that they will be as good as their word. coming for a term to the Normal School. Indeed But they are told further that their promise is not kept many of the pupils do not hesitate to say of them- if they merely "keep a school.." To be men of their selves, that they were unfit to discharge the duties of word, they must strive to be efficient teachers. If they a teacher, and all declare that they have received ve- mean to be indolent and inefficient, it is better far for ry great advantage from the Normal School. them not to teach at all. Hence this question is ever The students are expected to remain in the school | before the mind of the Normal pupil, “how shall I fit until they are fitted to graduate. This requires a myself to be a useful teacher?" And he is told that, longer or a shorter period, according to the attain-in as far as knowledge is concerned, two things are ments, ability and industry of the pupil. The majori- necessary: First, to be accurately acquainted with ty complete the course of studies in one year, but every subject that he will be required to teach; and many are required to remain from eighteen months to secondly, to be able to communicate his ideas in two years. plain and easily intelligible language. He is taught that it is no evidence of profundity to be incomprehensible that it is the easiest thing in the world to talk in such a way that no mortal mind can gather his meaning, and one of the most difficult, as well as valuable attainments, to be able to make a subject intelligible to the capacity of a child. Now this is common sense, and it is believed that the students of the Normal School appreciate it, and are earnestly endeavoring to obtain accurate knowledge, and a perspicuous manner of telling what they know. And it is certain, that if they obtain the latter quality, of speaking in a plain and simple manner, they will be forced to study, for ignorance is easily seen through the transparent medium of simple language. Now the committee believe that these are two great lessons, which are taught in the Normal School, and which, if thoroughly learned, will amply compensate the student for a two years residence in Albany; and they further believe, that a great end will be gained, if, in any degree, the Normal School can thus aid in banishing ignorance and grandiloquence from the teacher's desk. A list of the studies pursued in school, and also of the textbooks which are used, is given in the appenFor a full statement of the daily recitations of the dix (B.) In regard to studies, the committe have little school, see appendix (E.) An examination of this to add to what they have said in former reports. It programe of recitations, will show that the powers is well, however to state, that in addition to the course of the students are taxed to the utmost, and it may of instruction in the "theory and practice of teaching,” therefore most truly be said, that there too heavily the principle has, during the year, given a course of taxed. To attend five recitations a day, is more than lectures to the graduating classes, on the details of inany student should be required to do; but under ex-struction, in which the everyday duties of the teacher isting circumstances this is, perhaps, unavoidable. The most of the students are persons of limited means, and it is only by the most rigid economy that they are able to remain at the school as long a time as is now required for graduation. But if the number of the daily recitations was diminished, the con-it with great interest. sequence would be, that the pupils would be compelledto remain one or two terms longer to complete the prescribed course of studies. Now the limited pecuniary resources of the students will not permit this; and however desirable such a change of the present regulations of the school may be, it is impossible to adopt it, for the effect would be to prevent pupils from attending the school. ANN MARIA OSTROM, Teacher of Drawing, &c. It is a fact worth mentioning, and one highly creditable to the Normal School, that all of the teachers, with the exception of Messrs. Page and Perkins, are graduates of the Normaal School; and the stateineat is made with pleasure, that they are most competent teachers, laboring assiduously to promote the best interests of the pupils, and they have the entire confidence of the committee. The recitations of the school are characterized by thoroughness. In every case an instructor is appointed to teach those branches in which he himself excels, and for which he has a fondness. This fondness imparts animation to his teaching, and a desirable enthusiasm is awakened in the breasts of the pupils. Hence there is less of listlessness in the recitation rooms of the Normal School than is usual in other schools; while the student has this additional consideration operating upon him as an incentive to attention, he knows he cannot receive a diploma until every study of the course is mastered. are more fully illustrated and enforced, the better methods of teaching the different branches, presented in a familiar style, and the prominent faults and errors of young teachers pointed out. This is found to be a most profitable exercise, and the students engage in In teaching Drawing, the study of perspective is connected with instruction in Geometry; and imitative drawing is made a class exercise in which a part of the class is required to draw upon the black board each day. This is a very important exercise for teachers; fitting them to teach drawing to their pupils and also enabling them to illustrate many important subjects to their schools; indeed in the absence of apparatus, it is the only way in which the teacher can address the eye. The specimens of drawing executed by the pupils, are highly creditable both to them and their instructor, and the committee refer to these specimens with pride and pleasure. The question is often asked by persons not familiar with the subject, "in what respect does the Normal School differ from an ordinary academy, and why cannot the best of our academies afford to teachers all the instruction and training which they require to fit them for the work of instruction?" In answer to this enquiry, the committee design to make a few remarks, not so much for the purpose of answering objections which have been made to the School, as to give accurate information in regard to the course and methods of instruction pursued in it. 1. The Normal School has a prescribed course of study which the pupil is required to pursue. He is not, (as is too often and unavoidably the case in academies,) permitted to follow his own whims, studying what he pleases, and in the order which may seem best to him. Having been examined and classified, he is expected to take up those studies which his teachers think necessary for him. If he is ignorant of the elements, he must, however mortifying it may be to his pride, go back to the first principles and master them; nor is he allowed to leave a lower study and enter upon a higher, until he has given the most satisfactory evidence that he thoroughly understands the lower study. The number of names entered on the Register, independent of those now in the school, is 537. That school, have for a longer or shorter period enjoyed its is, 537 persons who now have no connection with the advantages. Of those 537, 234 are graduates, and the connection of the remaining 283 with the Normal School, ceased before they had graduated. 2. The Normal pupil is subjected to a rigor of daily examination, which is impossible in an academy He is required not only to recite a lesson, but also to illustrate it, as a teacher would to his pupils. A lesson, or the subject of study, is not regarded as mastered, until the pupil can tell what he knows, and can give full information upon it without its being necessary to draw that information out of him by the ask-sented. ing of some dozen interrogatories. He who cannot do this when it is required of him, is regarded as having fallen short, and he must study the more diligently and come up to this mark. He is made to feel that he has come to the State school for two purposes -first, to acquire knowledge, and secondly, to learn how to communicate that knowledge to others. Now, the former he may acquire at a good academy as well as at the Normal School; but the latter he can-Graduates who have taught in the State, but in not, and yet without the latter, he will be useless as a teacher. The committee have felt very desirous to obtain accurate information as to the pursuits of these 537 persons, and the result of their inquiries will now be preOf the graduates, there have died,. Never taught,. 3. A much longer time is spent in the recitation room than is possible in our academies. In the Normal School each recitation occupies forty-five minutes, and the student is engaged in recitation nearly four hours every day.. 4. There are studies necessarily pursued in the Normal School, some of which, though appropriate to academies, are not usually taught in them, and others would be wholly out of place elsewhere than in the Normal School. Of the former class are vocal music and drawing, and of the latter are daily recitations and lectures on the theory and practice of teaching. Indeed, it may be said with strict regard to truth, that one-half of the time of the Normal pupil is necessarily and properly occupied about matters that concern the teacher's work. But this could not be done in the academy without doing great injustice to those of the pupils who have no desire to fit themselves for instructing, and if in the academy a majority of the pupils were designed for teachers, and a course of studies suitable for them were introduced, then it would cease to be an academy, that is a place designed for the instruction of pupils in the higher branches, and it would become in fact a Normal School. Taught six months, and then relinquished the academies or select schools only,.. Graduates who, after teaching in the common schools of the State, from six months to two years, have gone into academies or select schools, Graduates whom the committee, from the best information which they could gain, believed to be now engaged in teaching the common schools of this State,. 3 5 222 It is due to the memory of those who have died, to state, that there is no reproach upon their names for the violation of plighted faith; all of them died at their post. Now these statistics speak volumes in favor of the moral principle of the graduates of the Normal School; of the 254 graduates, all, except five, have taught for a longer or shorter period in the district schools, and of these five, two are now teaching in academies of the State. And it may be well to mention in this connection, a circumstance which has come to the knowledge of the committee within the last week. At a teachers' institute lately held, a gentleman from New York offered one of the students of the school a situation as a teacher at a salary of $300; she replied, she could not accept his offer, for she From these remarks it will be seen, that the acade-district schools. It is proper to add, that the present had made a soleran promise that she would teach in my and the Normal School, are in their very nature salary of this high-minded young woman is $10 per wholly different institutions. In the academy many month. things must be taught, which would be out of place But the 283 undergraduates, whose connection with in the Normal School; and in like manner many sub- the school has ceased, must now be spoken of. Of jects must be pursued long and thoroughly in the lat-theseter, which would be very inappropriate in the acade- Died, my, and would seriously interfere with the advance- In the school one term or less, and left without ment of the other pupils. STATISTICS. The Committee would now present to the Regents, certain statistics, which will throw light upon the prac being qualified to teach,.. Left to enter college, a student for one term, 9 10 1 Left on account of ill health,.. Total, 1 It may be well to state here, that those persons who in past years have been found to be incompetent or 31 immoral, were chiefly from the class of pupils who in former reports have been spoken of under the name of volunteers. By the present mode of appointing pupils, and especially if the superintendents are faithful, no unsuitable persons either as to morals or ability, will be found in the School. Of these 31, few, if any, have taught in the common schools since they left the State institution. Of the remaining 252: Teaching in other states,. Taught one year and then relinquished the busi- Taught common schools from six months to two of this State. 3 1 8 39 During the past year vocal music has been taught by one of the teachers of the School, who is also employed in teaching other branches. Agricultural chemistry has also received considerable attention. The mention of agricultural chemistry calls up to the recollection of the committee the name of Silas Wright. That distinguished statesman urged upon 2 the committe and Faculty of the School the impor Those of whom nothing definite is known, (these tance of paying much attention to this subject. ́He were students of the last term, and there has said that most of the pupils would probably be embeen no opportunity of hearing from them,).. ployed in the rural districts of the State, where they Those whom the committee, from the best infor- might, if well informed, improve greatly the present mation which they could gain, believed to be modes of culture, and call forth more largely the reengaged in the common schools of this state,. 199 sources of the State, which as yet are very imperfectFrom these statements it appears: first, that of ly developed. And the committee will be pardoned these 537 graduates and undergraduates, 501 have if they mention another fact in regard to this disbeen engaged for a longer or shorter period in the distinguished man. When he was elected to the office trict schools of the State, since their connection with of governor, he was far from friendly to the Normal the Normal School ceased; and secondly, that 421 School, and hence in his first message he did not say are believed to be now employed in the district schools a single word in commendation of it. But afterwards, when he came to reside in Albany, he had an opporThese statistics give also the data by which may be tunity of visiting the school, and of seeing its practidetermined the actual expense incurred by the State cal working, he became its friend and advocate, and in sending each of these teachers into the district in his message of 1846, he presents his views in reschool. If the $30,000, drawn from the treasury du-gard to the School in a clear and masterly manner.— ring the last three years, be divided by 421, which is the number of the pupils now believed to be teaching, it shows that each of these teachers have cost the State $71.25.* And when it is taken into account, that during the first year the expenses of the School were necessarily much greater in proportion to the results than they can be in future years; that during the first year the graduates were only 34, and that they now number about one hundred a year; also that about a hundred under graduates very well pared to teach, leave the school yearly and engage in our district schools; it will be seen that the expense of each teacher to the State will not propably exceed $50. pre It is proper in this place to state, that in general the most flattering accounts have been received of the manner in which the pupils of the Normal School are discharging their duties as teachers. THE HISTORY OF THE PAST YEAR. The committee are also happy to add, that the county of St. Lawrence, where Mr. Wright resided, which did not at first avail itself of the advantages of the Normal School, is now fully represented. LIBRARY AND APPARATUS. There are at present 732 volumes in the Miscellaneous Library, showing an increase of 39 volumes since last report. The Text book Library numbers 5,710 volumes. In both libraries there are 6,442 vol's. The philosophical and chemical apparatus has been supposed to be as extensive as the wants of the school require, hence but slight additions have been made during the year. The committee are happy to bear witness to the excellent condition of the apparatus, evincing, as it does the capability aud efficiency of the teacher in this department. EXPERIMENTAL SCHOOL. The experimental school is composed of one hunThe affairs of the School during the last year have dred pupils, between the ages of six and 16 years, strengthened the convictions of the committee in fa-drawn from families resident in the city of Albany. vor of the Normal School. The teachers are compe-ceive their instruction gratuitously. The remaining One half this number are fatherless children, who retent and faithful, and of the pupils it is only necessa- half pay a ry to state, that during the summer term, there was not a single case of discipline. Every thing in and about the school is orderly; the kindest feeling seems to exist among the pupils, and they display great affection for their teachers. But above all, there is constantly manifested a regard for what is right, and there is in the Normal School what the committee have never seen in the same degree in any other schoola moral power which keeps in check the least tendency to evil doing. * In this calculation, the $9.000 appropriated for the establish lishment of the school is not taken into account, because, first, lit tle more than half of it is as yet expended; and secondly, the books, furniture, &c., which have been bought with it, are now in use, and will continue to have a permanent value, and therefore though $5000 has been expended within the three last years, yet it ought not to be regarded as a charge against the present school. which defrays the expenses of sustaining the school. tuition of twenty dollars per year, each, The great design of this department is to afford the Normal graduates an opportunity to practice the modes of instruction and discipline inculcated in the Normal School, as well as to ascertain their aptness to teach and to perform the various and complicated functions of the teacher's high office. To secure these ends, the department is placed under the supervision of a permanent teacher, whose duty it is to govern, arrange and classify it according to his best judgment, and to make such criticisms and suggestions relative to the modes of instruction adopted by the teachers, as circumstances may require. The instruction of the pupils is mainly performed by eight members of the graduating class per week; four of whom act as "observers," and four as teachers. At the commence 1847, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Dr. ment of every term this class is met by the perma- NEW YORK STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, IN ACCOUNT WITH THE nent teacher, their relations to the school are clearly defined, and a copy of the regulations and blank report is presented to each member. They are thus afforded ample opportunity to become acquainted with Sept. 30, To cash paid from September 30, 1846, to their duties, and to prepare for their proper discharge before being called upon to engage in them. this date, for improving the school build- To cash paid for text books, libra- To cash paid for apparatus, chem- To cash paid for mileage of the To cash paid for the salaries of To cash paid for support of the 367 41 95 49 3,128 55 5,929 00 804 07 To cash paid for incidental expen- The aim has been to present to the inspection of these teachers, a school, which, in point of classification, arrangements and system, should be a model; and at the same time to furnish them with every facility for giving a fair specimen of their tact and ability as instructors of the young. From their entrance into this school to their exit, their course is carefully noticed, their excellencies commended, and their faults corrected. The better to do this work, teacher's meetings have been instituted. After the close of the daily session they are called together, and the errors of the day are commented upon in a kind of general lecture, and at the same time the "better way" is pointed out. They are, furthermore, allowed to ask any questions relative to the school, or upon any subject connected with their duties as teachers. To give greater variety and interest to these meetings, as well as to cultivate the teaching faculty, subjects are assigned to the acting teachers beforehand, who, at a specified time, are allotted twenty minutes to devolop it, in the same manner as they would be required to do before a class of younger pupils. They are advised to study brevity and perspicuity in these exercises, Sept. 30, By cash in bank, Sept. 30, 1846,.. $554 31 and whenever there is a failure in these respects it is pointed put to them. Two exercises of this kind are expected from each teacher, which sets him to think on the best modes of imparting his knowledge to others, besides bringing the experience of all into one common store-house. The Permanent Teacher is in the habit, at these meetings, of giving short lectures on various matters connected with school duties, methods of instruction, &c. They are for the present held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, of each week, from 3 to 4 P. M. 1847. 78 42 $11,835 50 By cash received at sundry times ...... By cash received from Sept. 30, DOCUMENTS. Cr. 1,000 00 9,500 00 766 50 14 69 $11,835 50 The reports required to be made are thorough and searching. The blank has been so constructed as to call their attention to most of the important items in a teacher's round of duty, and it is hoped by thus directing their attention for two weeks to these matters, that such an impression may be made, as shall influence them throughout their whole course as teachers. These reports are made to the permanent teacher, who passes his judgment upon the labors of the individuals, and brings his case before the faculty, about the time of making out the graduation list. It is under-NAMES AND RESIDENCES, OF THE PUPILS WHO RECEIVED stood that his course in this school has a material influence in deciding the question of his graduation. A statement of the receipts and expenditures, from September 30th, 1846, to September 30th, 1847, is herewith submitted, and the vouchers for every item of expenditure are in the possession of the commit Carmel, Ovid, Southold, do Saugerties, Cambrige, Onondaga. Ezra Leonard, Lyons, Penn-Yan, Wayne. Starkey, Myron Wheaton, Joseph H. Paliner, Edward H. Hallock, Jeremiah G. Tuthill, Jairah I. Foote, Thomas P. Hunt, Benjamin F. Cooke, Henry A. Bruner, Females 19; males 27; total, 46. do NAMES AND RESIDENCES OF THE PUPILS WHO RECEIVED COUNTY. (B.) (See Circular of the Sec. of State, in another column,) (c.) As frequent inquiries are received from other States for the act of the Legislature establishing the Normal School, it has been thought proper to append it to this report. AN ACT for the establishment of a Normal School. § 1. The treasurer shall pay, on the warrant of the Fulton. New-York, Lima, Albany, Portland, Northumberland, Groton, Sarah J. Loomis, Wampsville, Albany, Albany. A. McSorley, Attica, Barbara H. McDonnell, New-York, Sarah S. Niles, Hamilton, Marietta A. Noble, Warren, A. Louisa Ostrom, Moscow, New York, Almond, Rose, Marion Phelps, Ann Amenia Pomeroy, Lucy A. Riley, Catharine Robinson, Elvira Searle, Sarah A. Sherman, Catharine A. Terry, A. Butler, Jr., Mary Whalon, R. W. Baker, G. E, Benson, G. H. Collier, Edward Gray, James E. McVean, W. D. Nichols, J. R. Page, Hezekiah E. Pitcher, II. P. Platt, J. B. Poucher, John Prentice, West Groton, Oneida. Richmond. Genesee, Washington. Kings. § 2. The sum of ten thousand dollars shall, after the present year, be paid annually by the treasurer on the warrant of the comptroller to the superintendent of common schools for the revenue of the Literature Fund, for the maintainance and support of the school so established, for five years, and till otherwise directed by law. New-York. Ferguson's Corner, Yates. Orangeville, Kingsboro', Syracuse, Barton, East Otto, Cattaraugus. Scott, Oswego, Oswego. East Canisteo, Steuben. |