Teachers' reading circles have exerted a strong influence in developing a professional spirit among the teaching fraternity. The first circle was probably organized in Ohio in 1883 upon the suggestion of Mrs. D. L. Williams, a teacher in that State. The circle was formu lated somewhat upon the plan of the Chautau qua literary course. Many of the other States of the Central West and West have organized such circles. These circles are under the man agement of the State Teachers' Association or the State Education Department. In some States the circle is under the joint management of such authority. A definite course of reading is prescribed, textbooks suggested and examina tions prescribed. Many States give some credit in their plan of certification to those who have done successful work in the circle. In 1915 the National Rural Teachers' Reading Circle was organized under the direction of the Bureau of Education at Washington.
Bibliography.— Burnham, Ernest,
of New York's contributions to the Develop ment and Standardization of State Normal Schools (Oswego State Normal School); Foght, H.