NORMAL SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS' COLLEGES IN THE UNITED STATES Teacher training schools in the United States, exclusive of departments of education in colleges and universities, fall into five general classes : State normal schools, State teachers' col leges, city normal schools and teachers' colleges, county normal schools and high schools and private normal schools. The first school for the preparation of teachers was opened at Concord, Vt., in 1823 by Rev. Samuel Reed Hall, who had been a teacher as well as preacher, and who accepted the pastorate of the Con gregational Church at Concord on condition that he might conduct a seminary for teachers. The school continued for seven years.
Normal schools were established for the purpose of training teachers for the common schools, which generally meant the un graded schools. The curriculum of the normal school at Lexing ton provided for a study of "all the common branches, particularly and fully; together with composition, geometry, algebra, physiol ogy; natural, intellectual and moral philosophy; botany, political economy, bookkeeping, vocal music and the art of teaching." State Teachers' Colleges.—The rise of many normal schools to the rank of teachers' colleges was a natural result of the develop ment of education and especially of the remarkable growth of the high school. From the very first some of the normal school grad uates, especially in the middle West, found their way into high schools ; entrance requirements were gradually advanced, and in some the curriculum was extended to four years. In 1893 the
Normal school at Albany became the Albany State Teachers' college and began to confer degrees. In 1897 the Michigan State Normal school became the Michigan State Normal college and was given the power to grant degrees. Other States in the middle West soon followed. The World War stimulated greatly the development of the teachers' colleges, for the lack of teachers called attention to the institutions which were largely responsible for training them. In 192o the (U.S.) bureau of education listed 46 teachers' colleges, four of which were private institutions ; in 1922 the number had increased to 8o, in 1924 to 88, and in 1926 to mi. Since the 1926 bulletin was published several States have advanced their normal schools to full collegiate rank.
Other Normal Schools and Teachers' Colleges.—County normal schools were organized to supplement the State normal schools in the preparation of teachers for the rural schools. The curriculum in some States is one year beyond high school and in some two years. Among the States which have such institutions are Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska. In 1926 every State with the exception of New Hampshire reported teacher training in high schools. In a majority of instances the training is a part of the high school course. In other instances it is preceded by high school graduation. In some States the county normal organization is separate and apart from the public school system.
City normal schools or teachers' colleges have been established in connection with many of the larger city school systems. The length of the curriculum varies from two to four years. Institu tions giving a four year course are generally called teachers' col leges and some grant the collegiate degree.
The private normal schools, of which the Bureau of Education lists 64, are largely schools for the training of teachers of physi cal education and for the kindergarten and primary grades. Most of these schools are associated with religious organizations. The curriculum of study is generally two years in length. (C. McK.) TEACHERS' PENSIONS: see PENSIONS: THE UNITED STATES ; PENSIONS : CIVIL SERVICE, MUNICIPAL.