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Teacher Institute articles

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 25 Jan 1866 p 2

Mr. Editor: Pursuant to previous notice, the teachers and friends of Education in Montgomery County met at the Public School building in Crawfordsville on Monday Dec 25, 1865; and after the reading of a short address by the County Examiner, they proceeded to organize a  Teacher's Institute.
Prof. MB Hopkins, Principal of the Ladoga Academy was elected President and Superintendent; WP Britton and Miss Jennie Ball, secretaries.

On Tuesday morning a committee, previously appointed for the purpose reported the following programme of exercises:
Morning Session
From 8:30 - 9 == Devotional Exercise
From 9 00 - 9:30 = Drill in Orthography
From 9:30 - 10:340 - Reading
From 10:30 - 11:30 - Arithmetic
From11:30 - 12:00 - Penmanship

Afternoon  Session
From 1-2 Grammar
From 2-2:30 Geography
From 2:30 - 3 - Vocal Music
From 3:00 - 4:00 General Discussion
By request of the Institute, Professor Hopkins and Sons took charge of all matters pertaining to instruction.  And introducing as these gentlemen did in their capacity of teachers, the most approved methods of imparting instruction in the various branches of an education required by law to be taught in the Common Schools, and this too with a zeal and an enthusiasm which showed them to be entirely in earnest, they rendered invaluable services to the Institute.
During the session which lasted five days, 52 teachers enrolled their names as members of the Institute. The average daily attendance was 31.
On Monday evening an address was delivered by Prof. RT Brown of the North-Western Christian University on the subject of Human Physiology. The address was able and instructive.  In the course of his remarks, the Professor took occasion to give some very good advice to teachers on the subject of health.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Institute was addressed by the Rev. Jos. F. Tuttle, President of Wabash College and on Thursday afternoon by Prof Hadley of Wabash College.
The lectures were well times and interesting and contained (especially those of Dr. Tuttle and Prof. Hadley which were more directly on the subject) many practicable and valuable suggestions to teacher on the theory and practice of teaching. A vote of thanks was extended to each of the lectures.
Resolved that moral instruction is the great element of government in in schools.
Resolved that this Institute recommends singing in the schools of the county and that it is the duty of teachers to encourage its introduction as far as practicable.
Resolved that whispering among the pupils ought to be wholly excluded from the school room
Resolved that the use of tobacco should be excluded from the school room.
Prof. Hopkins after some appropriate remarks on the subject introduced the following:
Whereas the Montgomery County Teachers' Institute has closed the labors of its first session and as it has been successful beyond our most sanguine expectations in all the objects for which it was called, we, the members deem it proper to publish our opinions in regard to the benefits of such organizations, therefore be it
Resolved 1st - that we unhesitatingly declare that Teacher's Institutes are of the highest importance in promoting the best interests of education; that the members of this Institute are better prepared by the instruction they have received to discharge the high obligations resting upon them as teachers. 2d. That we earnestnessly invite every teacher in the county and all intending to become such to attend the next session of the Institute. 3rd that teaching should be made a profession and as such should take rank among the pressions of the day.  4th That in the opinion of this Institute the School Revenue should be so increased as to afford a school nine months in each year. 5th That the compensation of teachers should be so increased as to be remunerative as in other professions. 6th That as a slight testimony of the high appreciation we have for the invaluable services rendered to this Institute by Prof. MB Hopkins as its Superintendent wwe extend to him a vote of thanks.  7th That as an invaluable source of useful information we recommend every teacher and friend of Education in Montgomery County to subscribe for the Indiana School Journals. 8th That the editors of the Indiana School Journal the Crawfordsville Journal and the Crawfordsville Review be requested to publish a brief statement of the proceedings of this Institute.  SM Houston, JR Coons, Miss Lida Green Committe.  Before adjournment votes of thanks were given to Alex. Hopkins, John Hopkins and James I. Hopkins for their faithful and efficient labors as teachers to Dr. Keegan for the use of his Melodeon and to Miss Lizzie Canine for her kindness in consenting to furnish the instrumental music for the occasion. WP Britton, Jennie ball Secs



Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 18 Aug 1899

Montgomery Co Teachers’ Institute convened on Mon at the courthouse. A large number has been in attendance from day to day and much interest taken in the work which has been in the hands of competent instructors. Under “Notes” – Homer Biddle will go somewhere in Wayne.
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