Dorothy Swank interviewed by Andrea Smith, 1992

Containers:

Network storage SA0012-SET-001

Creator:

Swank, Dorothy Virginia, 1910-2000 and Smith, Andrea

Scope and content:

Records the reminiscences of Dorothy Swank, retired elementary school teacher for the Rockingham County (Va.) school system. Talks about her educational background and experiences over a span of forty-four years of teaching including: teacher training (through the State Normal school now known as James Madison University); certification; experiences teaching in one-room schools such as Little North Mountain and Mt. Pleasant, teaching at a combined elementary-high school at Bridgewater, and Broadway elementary school; discipline problems; and experiences as an elementary school supervisor. Mentions conditions in one-room schools and their gradual phase out (last one in Rockingham County closed in 1962); recreation opportunities for students; teacher salaries and Depression-era problems; curricula; numbers of students in classrooms; compulsory attendance and consolidation of high schools (1951). Mentions contributions in the area of special education and providing education for learning disabled students; her interest in the Friendship Industries sheltered workshop in Harrisonburg; development of kindergarten programs; use of TV in schools; and art education. Remembers former students and their accomplishments to date. In general provides a perspective on public education in Rockingham County, Va. from the 1920s through early 1970s. Recorded at Ms. Dorothy Swank's home, Singers Glen, Rockingham County, Va., on Oct. 28, 1992

Names:

Swank, Dorothy Virginia, 1910-2000
Smith, Andrea

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