In 1869, a report on education in Newton County was published in the Morning Republican (Little Rock) The report said that there were 32 school districts in the county. Back then, a "district" would have been a school house and the area which it served. The report said the school houses were generally well-built. They said the teaching qualification standards were "medium." There was a "circuit superintendent" named William H. H. Clayton. His job was to visit all the schools, encourage pupils and teachers "with all the power and ability he is in possession of." His duties included organizing the schools, furnishing all necessary books, slates, and circulars.
In June 1870 the first Newton County Teachers Institute was formed. William H. H. Clayton was the chairman of the organization committee, which set up bylaws and state the purpose of the organization - to instruct teachers on the latest techniques of education and discipline. The institute, which lasted several days, had three daily sessions: 9 to 12 in the morning, 1:30 to 5 in the afternoon, and 7 to 9 in the evening. Topics that were discussed during that first institute included best methods of school government, imparting instruction, and methods of discipline (the Institute's speakers on this were against corporal punishment). There were classes on how to teach certain subjects, such as geography, and demonstration classes using local students. A student choir provided music as well. (Morning Republic, Little Rock, 30 Jun 1870)
Barbara LeRoy is the author of “Which Side Were They On?,” a new 302 page book listing biographical sketches of the Newton Countians who were involved in the Civil War, available for sale either in the Bradley House Museum or by purchasing online at www.newtoncountyar.com. The book sells for $33.
