The California Teachers' Association. EDITORIAL REVIEW The historic town of Monterey rested in singular quietness during the California Teachers' Association at Pacific Grove. The ancient street-car, with its dude driver, turned the curves about the adobe buildings with great carefulness as it transported the schoolmasters from Pacific Grove to Del Monte. The waters of the bay sparkled with the diamonds of the sun, but the waves were stilled. The walks about Del Monte were like paths thru a cemetery. There was a sufficiency of room for rest,- large, wholesome rest. Then came the speeches. Big speeches, little speeches, angry speeches, peaceful speeches, flattering speeches, virile speeches, great speeches, long speeches, short speeches, and more speeches. The Educational Council, which represents the senate, or rather the parliament of the California Teachers' Association, had a full attendance on Monday, and did some excellent work. The most important was the adoption of John Swett's report on "Professional Ethics." The adoption of the two following rules is the beginning of a code of ethics: FIRST That it be considered unprofessional for a teacher applying for a position to urge as a reason for his election anything other than his qualifications and fitness for the position, and further, that it be deemed unprofessional for any other person in his behalf and with his consent to urge any other reasons. SECOND-That it be considered unprofessional for any teacher to apply for a position not legally vacant at the time of application or about to become so. Mrs. J. E. Chope assembled her teachers on Monday. They were present in full force, and added strength to each meeting of the Association. Prof. Sandwick, Mrs. Chope, Miss Greene, and the local teachers were active in making the stay of the visiting teachers pleasant. Richard D. Faulkner, president of the association, presided at all of the general sessions with becoming modesty and dignity. The program was well planned and well carried out. There were no serious breaks-no abysms. There were one or two sessions when the teachers were in danger of eunathasia from a surplus of a sufficiency of misdirected discussion. The president and the officers of the association, including the secretary, Mrs. FitzGerald, certainly deserve kindly consideration for the effective work that was necessary, urgently necessary, to bring the enrollment at Pacific Grove up to 533. Dr. E. Benjamin Andrews made an impression as an impressive man. He has a largeness of view, a catholicity of thought, definite, direct, fearless, yet conservative, that holds you. He was in no sense a disappointment, and the California teachers always line up an eastern man by the side of President Jordan and President Wheeler, and each year there is the growing sentiment that our side of the continent has the two biggest university presidents in the United States. This is not the result of local pride, it is the result of intelligent comparison. Prof. M. V. O'Shea of the Wisconsin University has, as a prominent educator said, an almost unequalled capacity as compiler and expositor of child psychology. He is a pleasing platform speaker and a genial companion in the hotel lobby or the ladies' parlor. President Wheeler delighted the assembly with his charming presentation of "Things Human," in which he touched on a variety of subjects, from the dress-coat to spelling reform. Sometimes seriously, but frequently in a spirit of pure dilettanteism. Dr. O. P. Jenkins was one of the most active members of the association, whether in open discussion or in his nature study sections. The department of music, under the direction of Miss Ida Fisher and Miss Estelle Carpenter, was a notable success. The program was delightful: the attendance good, and it proved to be one of the most popular features of the convention. The English, Manual Training, History, and Kindergarten departments were well sustained. A new and helpful department which proved very successful, was the one devoted to primary reading. The field work devoted to natural history was also a unique and successful feature. The discussion on the adoption of the report of the committee on review of the constitution was quite spirited. Superintendent McClymonds presented a majority report. Dep. Supt. Kingsbury a minority report. The question at issue was the election of the officers by the association or by an executive council. After two hours debate which served no purpose except to give some members practice in extemporaneous speaking, the question was laid on the table. Thursday afternoon was especially profitable. The discussions by Dr. Van Liew, Dr. F. B. Dresslar, Dr. O. P. Jenkins and W. C. Doub, were the ablest ever presented in the State Association. Dr. Dresslar's paper was especially commendable on account of its levelheadedness. It went to the center thru all sides of the questions. Supt. Doub held up the San Francisco Normal as the ideal training school of the state. Under the several discussions on the selection of teachers Supt. R. H. Webster presented the following plan: For the purpose of their employment let the teachers of a school department of any City or County be divided into three sections. First, The Secondary or High School Section: Second, The Elementary or Grammar and Primary Section; Third, The Section of Special Teachers. All applicants in any section must be possessed of valid certificates entitling them to teach in that section; (it is here assumed that the possess ion of a teacher's certificate is a guarantee, under the law, of good character); be subjected to competitive examinations whose scope shall be broad, embracing the history, science, and art of education and subjects required to be taught in that section of school to which they apply for admission. All candidates who fail to reach a minimum percentage in any one subject or minimum average in all are to be rejected. This will insure good scholarship, the prime essential of a teacher; and the spectacle of one unable to solve mathematical problems, answer grammatical, historical, geographical, or scientific questions within the range of their teaching work, will be absent. These competitive examinations are to be conducted by a paid examination board of three or five competent persons not identified with the school department and never serving in succession; selected, two by the Superintendent, two by the Board of Education, and these to select a fifth; applicants to be known to the examiner by number, and all papers written by applicants to become public documents and subject to review for at least three months. Lists of all applicants arranged in the order of their rank, who attained the required minimum, are to be furnished the Board of Education, from which teachers be selected in the order of their standing. These examinations should be held at least annually and new lists thus prepared. This is not all. Horace wrote: "Poeta nascitur non fit;" so it might be written, "Magister nascitur non fit." A teacher is born not made. It is now necessary to determine whether the person selected to teach is possessed of ability to impart instruction, and the skill, tact and personality which inspire respect and confidence and render him a good disciplinarian. Credentials will not determine it: recommendations, no matter from what source, are not conclusive. Few recommendations are free from a tinge of favoritism induced by friendship, social or political considerations. The teacher may have graduated with honors from the University or Normal School, and yet as an instructor or an inspirer of intellectual and ethical qualities in a child, be a failure. Therefore the final selection of the teacher cannot be made upon credentials and recommendations, but muse be made upon a fair test amid school conditions and environment, in which the teacher is expected to work, subject to the inspection of a school principal or superintendent or both. All elections should therefore be for a limited probationary term of six months or one year. If at the termination of this probationary period the teacher temporarily chosen has demonstrated that she or he is satisfactory as an instructor and disciplinarian, one whom pupils respect for moral and intellectual qualities then the election should be made permanent and the teacher be secure in her position so long as she is not guilty of any delinquency that may be defined in law as disqualifying her from teaching: or in fine, so long as a teacher maintain that high standard which should be required of her to secure appointment to the Department. ; Supt. W. C. Doub, of Kern County, introduced the following resolutions, which were adopted: WHEREAS, it is deemed expedient that the teachers of this State organize so that they may act as a unit in order to secure much needed reforms in methods of school work; in order to make the profession of teaching more attractive, to the end that more men and women of ability will choose teaching as a life work; and in order to secure the enactment of laws which will make the public school system of more practical value to the masses of the people. THEREFORE, be it resolved by the California Teachers' Association that the President of this Association appoint a committee of five whose duty it shall be to work upon this question of organizing the teachers of this State, and report the result of its labors to this Association at its next regular meeting. The committe appointed to carry into effect the above resolution consists of Superintendent W. C. Doub of Kern County, Supt. Hugh Baldwin of San Diego County, Supt. J. W. Linscott of Santa Cruz County, President C. C. Van Liew of the State Normal School at Chico, and Richard D. Faulkner of the Franklin Grammar School at San Francisco. This committee met in San Francisco, January 4th, 1902, and organized as follows: Chairman, W. C. Doub; Secretary, Hugh Baldwin: Treasurer, J. W. Linscott. The chairman was instructed to draw up a constitution which would include the following features: OBJECT, to further the education interests of the State; Membership, to be composed of all the teachers of the State: a sub-organization with officers in each County and each City of the State; a State convention consisting of at least three delegates from each local organization, and one additional delegate for each one hundred teachers or fraction thereof of not less than fifty, from each County or City employing more than three hundred teachers. President C. C. Van Liew, Richard D. Faulkner and W. C. Doub were appointed a committee with power to appoint sub-committees of organization in each county and city. The committee earnestly requests the opinions and suggestions of every teacher in the State. The election of officers resulted in the selection of A. E. Shumate of San Jose High School, President; Mrs. J. E. Chope and J. B. Millard, Vice-Presidents; Mrs. M. M. FitzGerald, Secretary; C. C. Hughes, Assistant Secretary; Philip Prior, Treasurer; Lewis B. Avery, Railroad Secretary. Los Angeles was selected as the next meeting-place. The Southern California Teachers' Association.. The Southern California Teachers' Association met Dec. 18-19-20, Lewis B. Avery, President. There were over 1200 registered members, and attendance at some of the sessions reached 2500. President Avery proved to be one of the most successful presidents the association has ever had, and the meeting was a conspicuous success. The program included such notable men as E. Benjamin Andrews, Dr. Livingston C. Lord, Thos. P. Bailey Jr., of the University of Chicago President Wheeler, President Jordan, Prof. Plehn and many others. The officers elected for ensuing year. President, J. B. Millard, Los Angeles; vice-presidents, F. P. Davidson, San Diego, and Miss Ida Brockman, Santa Barbara; recording secretary, J. B. Reynolds, Ventura; financial secretary, A. I. D. Moore; treasurer, J. B. Nichols. A proposition is now under consideration to print the proceedings of the Southern California Teachers' Association in the February number of THE JOURNAL. SACRAMENTO COUNTY. Supt. B. F. Howard of Sacramento County held his institute Thanksgiving week. Supt. Edward Hyatt, Mrs. Mary W. George, Job Wood Jr., and others talked instructively on various subjects. The "Record-Union" speaks of Mr. Hyatt's work as follows: "In the grammar division Supt. Edward Hyatt of Riverside County gave a talk on "Nature Study," and captured his audience. Mr. Hyatt is absolutely free from the defect of many institute instructors, who "talk away over the heads" of their auditors. He clothes his lectures in plain, every-day language and talks to his hearers rather than at them. He is full of his subject and has so thoroly imbued the teachers and pupils of his own county with its spirit that great interest is being taken in it, and many an embryo geologist and mining expert is receiving his early training there." Miss Verna Woods, the well-known teacher and writer, spoke on her experiences with stage folks. She had 'just returned from a seven weeks tour with Frederic Ward, who appeared in her play. Her recital was unique and interesting. Mrs. George, Job Wood, and others gave very interesting and instructive talks. Mrs. Howard is always a fine attraction at these institutes, and her songs were heartily enjoyed. Superintendent Erlewine and Superintendent Howard always join forces, and, as a result, the city and county institutes of Sacramento are always a success. SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY. Supt. E. B. Wright is always on the alert for new educational ideas for his teachers' institute. The instructors and lecturers were: J. W. McClymonds of Oakland, J. W. Linscott of Santa Cruz, W. C. Doub of Kern county, Dr. F. B. Dresslar and Harold W. Fairbanks of the University of California, and the Rev. B. Fay Mills of Oakland. Superintendent Doub made a most excellent impression in his practical talks on practical subjects. The institute was certainly a practical one. Superintendent Wright secured four active superintendents as instructors. AMADOR COUNTY. Supt. G. A. Gordon held his institute Thanksgiving week in Amador City. The teachers were all in attendance. The instructors were: Prof. David Snedden of Stanford, Miss Alma Patterson of the San Francisco Normal, and Alexander Gordenker of the Ione Academy. The Amador County teachers, under the able leadership of Superintendent Gordon, are always quick to respond to the best that there is in educational work. The institute was well managed, and it proved delightful and helpful to all present. Last April Superintendent Gordon took the teachers of Amador to Berkeley and thus added much interest and practical knowledge to their work. SANTA CLARA COUNTY. Superintendent L. J. Chipman held his institute in San Jose Thanksgiving week. Superintendent Chipman is fortunate in being situated so that he can draw from the Normal school, two universities, and other talent without much expense. The session was an interesting and profitable one. COLUSA COUNTY. Superintendent Laughenour held her institute at Colusa the week of November 17th. She employed as instructors Prof. T. H. Kirk and Prof. D. S. Snedden. The "Colusa Sun" speaks of Professor Kirk's work as follows: "Mr. Kirk is a man possessed of a clear brain and a well-stored mind. and his remarks upon the subject of reading were exceptionally appropriate at the present, when, owing to the amount of time required in the matter of interpretation of the English work in the higher grades, so little opportunity is found for the vitally necessary work of oral expression." Professor Snedden proved himself a very popular instructor, Miss Laughenour's teachers took an active part in the discussions. FRESNO COUNTY. Supt. Geo. S. Ramsay arranged his institute for the week of December 18th. He secured as the instructors: Dr. F. B. Dresslar, Professor Page, and the local teachers aided in the work. Superintendent Ramsay was absent from the institute on account of illness, and deputy Superintendent Kenyon and Superintendent McLane conducted the institute. VENTURA COUNTY. Supt. Geo. L. Sackett of Ventura, held his institute the week of Dec. 17th. He issued a program that should be cherished as a souvenir. It will never be equalled. The Roycrott Print shop has never done anything better. It is simply beautiful, and Supt. Sackett deserves the appreciation of lovers of fine arts for giving such a fine production. The instructors and lecturers were as follows: Dr. E. Benj. Andrews, President University of Nebraska; Dr. Thos. P. Bailey, Jr., University of Chicago; Supt. J. W. Linscott, Supt. of Schools, Santa Cruz County, Cal.; Addie Murphy-Griggs, Pres. Cumnock School of Expression, Los Angeles; Ednah A. Rich, Supervisor Manual Training, Santa Barbara City Schools; Mira E. Morgan, Santa Barbara. KINGS COUNTY. Supt. Graham held his institute the week of Dec. 16th. Frank J. Browne, Miss Jennie Long and Prof. T. L. Heaton were the instructors. Supt. Graham always succeeds in making institute week a notable one for his county. The teachers, instructors, and citizens always have a pleasant and instructive time. KERN COUNTY. Supt. W. C. Doub held an interesting session of his institute the week of Dec. 16th. It was a working institute, and the week was one of great profit to the teachers. INYO COUNTY. Clay Hampton held his institute at Bishop the week of Dec. 16th. The instructors were Alexander B. Coffey, and Supt. Thos. J. Kirk. Prof. Coffey reports it as one of the most interesting institutes that he ever attended, and says that Clay Hampton cannot be excelled as a presiding officer. The teachers and citizens enjoyed the instructive and entertaining talks of Prof. Coffey and Supt. Kirk. TULARE COUNTY. Supt. S. A. Crookshanks held his institute the week of Dec. 16th, at Visalia. Frank J. Browne, T. L. Heaton, Miss Kate Ames, and the local teachers were instructors. The institute was along practical lines. The "Times" speaks of Prof. Browne's work as follows: "The lecturer of the evening was Hon. Frank J. Browne. He took for his subject 'The Schoolmaster of Stratford.' The Shakespearean talk that followed was highly interesting indeed. Mr. Browne by quotations and character sketches from a great many of Shakespeare's plays showed how the great bard could shadow forth on the stage the underlying principles of human action and passion." ORANGE COUNTY. Supt. J. P. Greeley of Orange County held his institute Dec. 16-17-18th. He secured a number of able instructors and had a most interesting session. Supt. Greeley has long succeeded in making his institutes enjoyable and interesting. EL DORADO COUNTY. Supt. McCarty held his institute Nov. 12-1314. The instructors were Prof. A. B. Coffey, Dept. Supt. Job Wood Jr., D. R. Augsburg. Miss Maggie Kelley was the efficient and charming secretary. The El Dorado County teachers enjoyed and appreciated the work of. Prof. Coffey, Prof. Augsburg, and Supt. Wood. SAN DIEGO COUNTY. Supt. Hugh J. Baldwin held his institute Dec. 16-17-18th. Among the notable instructors were Dr. Jordan, Dr. Lord, Dr. Burke, Supt. Hyatt, Hon. D. L. Withington, Cassius Carter, and others. The institute was a great success, the following resolutions were adopted: "Resolved, That our hearty congratulations extended to our County Superintendent, Prof. H. J. Baldwin, upon the marked success that has attended his efforts in arranging an interesting and profitable program for the institute; also to the members of the county board of education, and the various officers of the institute. "Resolved, That President Black and his colleagues of the San Deigo Normal School are deserving of the highest praise for their valued co-operation with school officers and teachers of the county, and that we regard the work illustrated by the training classes of that institution as of great value. Special mention should be made of the services of Prof. Shafer, Miss Rogers and Miss McLeod. "Resolved. That in our opinion the exhibit of school work by the various districts of the county is a valuable means of instruction and comparison, and we regret that some of the schools did not adopt the suggestions of our Superintendent and the county board in this matter. The interest manifested by the trustees in the preparation of the mineral exhibit is greatly appreciated." SANTA BARBARA COUNTY. Supt. W. S. Edwards held his institute in Santa Barbara the week of the 16th. He had as instructors such notable people as Dr. E. Benjamin Andrews. The institute was successfully conducted. MADERA TEACHERS' INSTITUTE. The ninth annual session of the Madera County Teachers' Institute was held at Madera on December 18, 19, and 20. Mr. J. G. Smale presided in the abscence of County Superintendent Miss Bagnelle, who was at the bedside of her beloved mother who was seriously ill. All teachers representing winter schools of the county were present. The principal instructors were Prof. T. H. Kirk of Santa Barbara and Dr. Dresslar of the State University, who spoke on the following subjects: "Scope and Method in Teaching Reading," Place of Music in Public Schools," "How to Study," "Conservation of Time and Energy," and "Methods of Teaching." A reception was given by the Madera teachers for visiting teachers on the eve of the 18th. A very interesting evening lecture was given by Professor Kirk, his subject being "Burns, the Poet and the Man." The S. J. V. T. A. being discussed, a motion was made and unanimously carried: that this county institute request the executive committee of the S. J. V. T. A. to prepare for a meeting to be held next year. Teachers showed much interest in the proceed. ings and took part in all discussions. |