Illinois State Normal University - Index Yearbook (Normal, IL)

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Che 1lnbeg Q-1-4,22-PM I 1 - ' X - ' 2' L- N :if ' ' I -55's-Ext :A 'N an aff 4' P ' W, THE GYMNASIUM

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6 'Crbe 'ilnbeg ECENT' HANGES IN THE NORMAL SCHOOL. It was a remarkable characteristic of this institution that for many years there were but few changes in the teaching force. Dr. Edwards was connected with the in- stitution for fifteen years, Dr. Hewett thirty-two years, Professor Metcalf something more than thirty-two years, Professor Stetson twenty-five years, and there were oth- ers who left the faculty after a long service. Of late, changes have been somewhat more frequent. The de- mand for Normal School men has greatly increased, the salaries have become farrmore attractive, and many things have united to make it more difficult to hold our teachers. It is a frequent remark of the visitors who have not been here for a few years that there are but few familiar faces in the faculty. Wliile there have been many changes, as I have said, the service of the present faculty is quite long. Professor McCormick began his work here as a teacher in 1869, Professor Colton succeeded Professor Seymour in 1888, Miss Hartmann entered the faculty in 1882, Miss Ela in '88, Miss Colby in ,92, Dr. McMurry in 792, Professor Felmley in '90, Professor Manchester in ,90, Miss Wilkins and Miss Lucas inf92, Mrs. McMurry in ,91, and the writer in 1866. The last additions to the faculty are Mr. Manfred J. Holmes and Mr. B. C. Edwards. The former succeeded Professor Galbreath, called away

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8 ' 'Ctbe 'llnbeg I from us at the close of last year by a large increase in salary, and the latter is an addi- tion to the department of reading and gymnastics. Dr. McMurry returned to us again this year after a leave of absence, succeeding Dr. Van Liew in charge of the Practice School. Dr. Van Liew was called to the State Normal School at Los Angeles at an in- crease of almost 50 per cent in his salary. V This will indicate, in a general way, the leading changes in the organization of the faculty in the last few years, and will also, I think, satisfy our friends that the principle of long tenure of oflice has not been abandoned in this institution. We have been pecu- liarly fortunate in securing most admirable talent at comparatively small salary, and just as soon as the public becomes familiar with the excellence of our teachers, tempting offers begin to present-fthemselves. Although we have been so unfortunate as to lose many admirable men and women, yet it is no exaggeration to say that it is quite pos- sible to get teachers who will never occasion us any such trouble. The course of study is constantly undergoing modification. The most marked changes that have been madefin recent years are along the lines of professional work. Psychology has increased .quite radically over what we had eight years ago. The aggre- gate work in this department is now little short of two years. The most notable change in the work of the practice school is the multiplication of illustrative lessons, of teach- ers' meetings, and of observation work. 'Pupils now take a preparatory course of from half a term to a term in the study of the practice school and its work before entering upon the instruction of classes. While this requirement is not imposed upon all it is found to be quite indispensable for the beginners. Previous numbers of'THE INDEX have made mention-of the more recent additions to our buildings. The Gymnasium,-began in i97, is substantially completed. The third story is occupied by the science department, which is finely housed. In addition to the oliice the floor space aggregates 3600 square feet. The Library is on the second floor of the new building. There is the same area-3600 square feet. It is all in one room which is