The Portland (Ore.) Teachers’ Institute
By M. E. CADY
This institute was held from July 6 to August 3, and had an enrolment of thirty teachers, besides the instructors. In all, there were thirty-six in regular attendance at the institute. Teachers were present from the Western Oregon, Western Washington, and Upper Columbia Conferences. One hour each day was devoted to the study of the principles of Christian education as set forth in Volume VI of the “Testimonies,” also the book “Education.” In addition to the study of the principles of Christian education, time was devoted to the study of the best methods of teaching the various subjects taught in our church-schools. The “Teacher’s Manual,” published about one year ago, was used as a guide in the giving of this instruction. While the majority of the teachers had used the “Manual” in their work during the past year, several were heard to make the remark, “I thought I understood the ‘Manual,’ but this study indicates to me that I had just begun to understand the methods and principles therein outlined.” All the teachers deeply appreciated the privilege of studying the methods to be employed in teaching the various subjects in harmony with the principles of Christian education. They saw more clearly the difference between the principles and methods of the work carried on in Christian schools, and those that obtain in the schools where the Bible is not made the foundation of their work. Time was also devoted to a study of the industrial work that is to be connected with our church-schools. Instruction was given to the teachers in sewing, basket making, chair caning, and also some lessons showing the various lines of “busy work” that could be brought in, in the way of paper and cardboard sloyd work. This instruction in manual training was very highly appreciated by the teachers, and all felt that they had a better idea of the character of the work to be done, and expressed an earnest desire that they might receive further instruction at future institutes. Some attention was also given to the matter of gardening in connection with our schools, and although there was not opportunity to do any practical work in this line, yet the principles were quite fully considered. We had the pleasure of having Professor Griggs, the chairman of the Educational Department of the General Conference, with us for a few days, and his instruction was much appreciated. Other instructors besides the superintendents of the three conferences were present, and among those who gave considerable time to the work of instructing were Miss Katherine B. Hale, who is connected with the normal department of Healdsburg College, Healdsburg, Cal., and Miss Sarah E. Peck, who has been associated for years with Sister White in preparing her books for publication. It was the unanimous desire of the22teachers present that the three conferences already mentioned, unite next year in a union institute, or, better still, that all the conferences of the Pacific Union Conference unite in a union institute, if this can be done without too much inconvenience and expense. The writer had the privilege of attending the Portland institute the larger portion of the time, and feels that the institute was very profitable to the teachers, and that these summer institutes should be continued and made more and more effective as the years go by. Two other institutes were held during the summer in the Pacific Union Conference, one at San Jose, and the other at Fernando, Cal. I had the privilege of attending the San Jose institute for a few days, and from what I could see and learn of the work, the institute was a profitable one. I heard also good reports from the Fernando teachers’ institute, but will leave the matter of reporting these two institutes to those who had them directly in charge. M. E. CADY, Educational Secretary of Pacific Union Conference.