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Show EDUCATIONAL INTEREST. Editor Leader: -- For a great many years the minds of thinkers have been agitated on the subject of education. They have realized that for children to be properly instructed they must have qualified instructors. How to meet this demand was the grand question. In answer to it, normal schools were established where the principles of teaching were taught as understood. It was step in the right direction and one that has resulted in good to teachers and mankind. It proved inadequate to the demand however. By reference to statistics it was found that a small number of schools were being supplied with graduated normal teachers. Some of the graduates did not engage in teaching. Some left the schools to teach before completing the course. Something was needed to furnish those who were actually engaged in teaching an opportunity to improve in their profession and the result was Teacher's Institutes. Introduced in the State of New York, the influence was so great that it extended to other states. A revival of educational matters ensued and tot this day they have been a great aid to teachers. They have not been a success in the true sense of the word, in all places. This seems to be the case with all human institutions. A great deal depends upon the organization, the worked to be performed and the encouragement given by the people. A certain amount of progressive work should be accomplished each session. The Teacher's Institute should as far as possible partake of the nature of a normal school. Hon. John H. French, L.L.D. says, "In order to meet the wants of the large number of teachers who are desirous of acquiring a more extended knowledge of didactics, but who have not time to take a full course of training at a normal school, or in a teacher's class in an academy, institutes of several weeks in length are required." In some states a great amount of means is appropriated for the support of institutes. In fact the great aid such organizations have been to the cause of education is recognized by leading educators in different parts of the country. Institutes enable teachers to learn from the experience of others -- to become better acquainted with the methods of teaching - with the advanced ideas of education, and, with its history and progress in the past; also, with the subjects taught in the schools. The Cache County Educational Institute is now but in its ???? yet it has accomplished a great work. In order to extend its influence, the founding of a library - in connection with the institute is commenced. It has received encouragement from some of the leading men of the county. The benefits to be derived from a good library are apparent. One that is composed of professional works will give teachers and trustees opportunity of becoming acquainted with things pertaining to their calling that they otherwise would not. It is the intention to procure such works. The educational interests of the county will be advanced. All are interested since when teachers are benefited they will benefit their pupils and of course parents rejoice. The future ??? received educated citizens. There is no subject that is worth more attention than education. "It is the safe-guard of government and society." It is not however superficial education that is beneficial; but one that cultivates all the faculties and fits and ?????????????and spiritual, of life. This can only be given proper teaching from competent teachers. J.L.C. |