Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1872-06-20
Otter Creek valley Teachers AS
ISOLATION.
FIRST DAY.

6iEoI IA
The Otter Greek Valley Teachers As
ISOLATION met in the Congregational
church, Brandon, on Friday morning, at
1870 o'clock.
The president, J. S. Cilley, principal
of the Brandon Graded School, called
the meeting to order, and read the 8th
chapter of Proverbs, after which prayer
was offered by Rev. Mr.. Schouler.
The president then delivered the open
ing address; subject, Teachers and
Their Work"
The discussion of the subject ''Teach-
ers and their Teaching" was opened by
Mr.. Dana, principal of the Rutland
Graded School. Mr. Dana said: Much
of teaching is done before the pupil
reaches the school-room. If we look
around upon our teachers we shall find
many of them like the communities in
which they live-never looking above
the pecaniary reward. The teacher
should first ask the question, SIS it my
duty to teach?" If so, go on, for sue
cess viii attend you. What Is the first
requisite of a teacher? / answer, the
power of control. Stand at your desk
and govern your school. If you cannot,
you have no business in the schoolroom
Positive knowledge on the part of the
teacher is also an important requisite
He must have a clear view of the sub
ject when he comes before his class. He
must have the ability to point out the
pathway of thought to the pupil. Every
teacher must be himself or herself, or,
in other words, must never copy another,
take others plans and make them your
own. 1t is very easy for those who
know nothing of the work, to direct
how it should be DONE Let them once
try and they will be silent. What you
teach, do thoroughly; have every lesson
learned by the pupil. Half a lesson
learned, is gain; lesson half learned, is
total loss. Never recite for your pupils
A. E. Leavenworth, of New Haven,
said The more we teach the more we
enjoy. Truly we go over the same
ground day after day, but the true teach
er finds the pathway broader and smooth
or with every journey. He should al
ways cultivate a freshness in his work.
l agree with what has been said in re-
gard to the power to govern; but that is
not all. The teacher must have mas
terry Of the subjects taught. Thus he
wins the respect of his pupils, and gov
erns them from a high standpoint. I
believe that right here lies the poaoer to
govern well.
Col. Cole said In Europe we have
found that the sold dame schools" which
taught the children manners, and have
been supplanted by the endowed and ma
tiOnal schools, are those which the coun-
try need. The peculiar failing which l
have observed in this land of freedom is
that the children are too free. There is
want of veneration in the youth Of
this land, which is in striking contrast
with the same class in the old world.
Adjourned till p. m.
AFTERNOON.
The Association met pursuant to adj
journment, president Cilley in the chair
After singing by the choir, the commit
tees were announced as follows:
On Business-A. J. Sanborn of Mid
dlebury, Judah Dana of Rutland John
Avery of Salisbury.
On Resolutions-A. Z. LeavenwOrth
of New Haven. George Brooks of Mid
dlebury, NJ. NJ. Tenney of Middlebury.
Then followed an essay by Miss Good
rich of the Middlebury Graded School;
subject. 1.-The Mission. of the Teacher"
Miss Groneweg, of the Rutland Grad
ed School, read an essay; subject, "The
Germans and their Language" after
which Mr.. John Engels and his son,
Harry Engels, sung German song.
Miss Hattie Harris then recited THE
Wreck of the Hesperus"
A vote of thanks to Miss Hattie Har-
ris was passed, and also thanks rendered
to the teacher training her.
Seventy-nine teachers were present,
who have been engaged in teaching dur
ing the past year.
The discussion on history was opened
cy Professor Sanborn. We can give
only few of his earnest remarks.
In the past, history was almost UNI
known. The history of the earth is
written ali over its surface, and stamped
upon its ROCKS, but the history of man
is very obscure. At the present time we
have a great advantage over the past.
In the light of history, dim as it is. we
can shun the dangers which surround us.
The teacher is making history
Rev. L. A. Austin said. 1t is often
said that history is not to be studied, but
to be read. Again, it is said that
knowledge of history, as taught in our
schools is very meager. Both of these
sayings may be true, but it does not fol-
low that the knowledge, though limited,
should be despised. As far as it goes it
should be appreciated | believe that
grammar and arithmetic are crowded in
to our schools too early, and | also be-
lieve that history should be introduced
at an early day. 1t should Immediately
follow geography. / think that at the
age of nine or ten there there is a vacant
place in the course of study which
should be devoted to history. Give the
time which is now lost in reading stories
to history, and nobler imen and women
shall be found in the walks of life.
Mr.. Austin was briefly followed by
Mr. Augustus Wing, of Bridport, and
A. E. Leavenworth of New Haven.
Adjourned until evening.
EVENING.
At half past seven o'clock the associ-
alton assembled, and crowded house
testified to the desire to listen to Rev. E.
p. Hookerof Middlebury, who delivered