Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-01-24
Reported for the HERALD
Vermont state Teachers Assoeia-
ton.
FIRST DAY.

OF education who arrived during yester'
day, were fearful that the weather might
dampen the ardor which usually charac-
terlzes our State Teachers Associations,
and cause many TO absent themselves
from the present annual session who
otherwise would be present, As soon
as the trains commenced TO arrive, how
ever, these fears were disSipated, each
train bringing a goodly number of
teachers to attend the meeting, while
many came by private conveyance.
At a. m. the Convention was called
to order by the President, Rev, John
Newman, D. D., and prayer was offered
by Rev. DR.. Kitchell, President Of Mid
dlebury college.
In the absence Of the Secretary, J, II.
Worcester, Jr, of Burlington was ap.
pointed Secretary, and Moses Burbank,
ESQ, of Ludlow, Assistant Secretary.
A business commltte was appointed,
consisting of J. S, Spaulding, Esq, of
Barre, Prof B. Kellogg Of Middlebury
and Gen. J. w. Phelps Of Brattleboro
also nominating committee, consisting
Of the following members Rev. J. H.
Worcester and J. S. Adams, Esq of Bur-
lington, and Rev. A. Brown Of Brattle-
boro.
Rev. John Newman, d. D., President
of Ripley Female College, then deliv-
cred the opening address on Teachers
Encourgements and Duties" which was
an able and practical production.
The morning discussion upon the sub
iect of Teaching Reading" was opened
by Prof. B. Kellogg, who gave the Con,
vention many valuable hints upon the
necessity Of properly educating the
wrong to correct method of reading.
The discussion was participated in by
DR.. Kitchell, Prof. Conant, Mr.. Bing-
ham, Rev, Mr.. Ranney and was closed
by few remarks from Prof. Kellogg.
At this point, the President announced
the session hours Of the Convention as
follows From 9 to y a. m; from to
4;30 p. M, and at $50 p, m, and the
morning session adjourned.
AFTERNOON
The convention was called TO order at
p. m, when the President announced
that the special order of the hour was q
discussion upon the subject of "School
Houses and School Discipline"
Gen. John w. Phelps of Brattleboro
said that much controversy had taken
place upon thesubject of the proper kind
Of seats or desks to be used by pupils in
our State schools, and under this head,
invited discussion by the teachers present
as to their views upon the subject.
Mr. Conant of Randolph commended
that while double seats occupied less
room, single ones by placing pupils by
themselves and separating them from
their companions, would compel each to
labor for himself, thus forcing him to
solve his own problems, without further
assistance than he could obtain from the
tutor.
Mr.. Burbank OF Ludlow explained his
experience with various kinds of seats
and conceded with Mr.. Conant in the
opinion that single seats were best cal
Culated to promote the interest Of one
school.
Mr.. Bingham, Of Brattleboro, con-
sidered that the settlement, of the diff
ferences Of opinion as to whether
scholars should help eaqh other, or
whether they should each one act alone
and for themselves, would settle the
point in question. And he believing in
the latter system ofschool discipline, IA
vored the use of single desks 10 such
schools as could afford to erect them.
On motion, the discussion upon the
above subject was postponed until a
future meeting.
The regular order of exercises, a dis
cussion of the question "what should be
added to the present requirements for
admission to College :" was opened by
Rev. A. B. Dascomb of Waitsfeld, who
in clear and elaborate manner pointed
out many errors in the present system of
colleges in admitting young men and
women to their hall to pursue a course
of studies in the higher branches, be-
fore they had properly fitted themselves
therefor in common and intermediate
schools.
Mr.. Conant of Randolph ably sustain.
ed the position taken by Mr.. Dascomb.
adding that more of the higher branches
now left for the collegiate course should
be taught in the intermediate schools,
while colleges should demand a more
thorough examination OF applicants
for admission in the common branches
Here the discussion rested, and an in
PERMISSION of ten minutes was taken by
the convention, which was happily
spent by the members in social inter
course and the cultivation of acquaint-
ances.