13th Annual Institute,

SOUTHWESTERN NORMAL

LEBANON, WARREN COUNTY, OHIO.

SCHOOL,

PREPARATION FOR FALL AND WINTER SCHOOLS.

The Art of Instruction practically taught.

The Management of Graded and Ungraded Schools reduced to a system.

Success of the Normal School.

The constant and regular growth of this Institution, aided by no denominational endowments, sustained by no State appropriation, is without precedent in the history of educational enterprise. The number of trained Teachers sent from here every year is probably greater than from any Eastern State Normal School, costing the tax payers of its state from $20,000 to $40,000 per annum.

These facts are accounted for by the almost unvarying success, of the teachers trained here, by the ever increasing demand for such teachers, and from the increase of wages, which those recommended by this Institution, almost always obtain.

The Normal elements of this success are, 1st. The thorough mastery of the branches, instead of book routine; 2d. The effective method of teaching the branches and of inciting to enthusiastic study, instead of irksome forcework; 3d. The practical ability to manage a school handsomely and pleasantly, instead of governing it by scolding and coercion.

The Normal Institute and County Institutes compared.

While the advantages are such, the extent and perfection of the arrangements for cheap and good board, as well as exemption from purchase of books, render the expenses here less for a term of six weeks, than at most of the County Institutes for half the time.

Many of the pupil teachers who have attended the County Institute for three or four weeks, assert that they are of no use; simply time and money thrown away. The instruction, for the most part, is given by men unaccustomed to this kind of work, and hence is so feeble, hasty and desultory, as to give no available power in any of the branches; while a few disconnected lectures, from men, however able, cannot impart any practical ability in School Government.

With skillful teaching and hard study, much can be done in six weeks, in the way of masterly reviews of the common branches; in forming some acquaintance with the Natural Sciences, if presented in their practical bearings, with appropriate apparatus and successful experiments; much also can be accomplished in remedying the general and sad inefficiency in school government, by daily exercises, and drills directed to this end.

Character of the Attendance.

Teachers of all grades have attended here thus far, as well as a large number who have never taught, but were intending to teach. Not a few Superintendents of Graded and Union Schools have favored us with their presence and approbation. Some have brought their assistant teachers, a part or the whole of their corps with them.

Books rented for the term, at 5 cts, per volume.

Tuition, Room rent and Book rent, payable in advance.

For Programme of Exercises see 4th page of this inset. For all particulars with regard to the Institution send for a Catalogue.

A. HOLBROOK.