Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1876-02-11

TwESIY-sIxfH ANNUAL MEETING.

Vermont State Teachers Association.
rwEyrY-sIxfH ANNUAL MEETING.
The twenty-sixth annual meeting OF the
State Teachers Association opened yester'
day. Thursday. February Sd. in the high
School building. at p. m. The inclemency
of the weather doubtless lessened to some
extent the attendance. There were present.
however. a goodly representation OF the
teachers and school superintendent.
Among the leading educators present were
j. S. Cilley of Brandon; j. S. Spaulding,
of Barre; Rev. Ii. 7. Fuller, Of St. Johns
bury Rev. C. C. Torrey, of Charlotte; J. 4.
Miller. of Montpelier II. Priest of Barre ;
W. E. Crippen. of johnson u. A. Bar
rett. of Castleton /; President Buckham, Pro-
fessors Goodrich. Perkins, and others OF
the University; Rev. j. K. Converse, Rev.
t. A. Hopkins. Prof. Pollens, of Burling-
ton; City Superintendent Alger. L. l.
Lawrence, of the School Board of this city.
and others These. with number Of the
teachers of the City Schools and specta-
tors, comfortably filled the hall.
Edward Corant, of Randolph, the Presl-
dent of the Association, occupied the chair.
After prayer by Rev. C. C. Torrey. Of Char
lotte, President Buckham, of the University
of Vermont, in behalf of the local committee
Of reception made An
ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
President Buckham opened his remarks
By an allusion to the very successful meet
ing of the association in Burlington, in
August 1853, at which it is estimated that
eight hundred guests. teachers and friends
of education, were entertained. That meet
ing was enthusiastic, and largely anticipa-
tory of great future progress in education
The expectations then cherished have not
been wholly realized. Better school build
ings have been erected, the Normal Schools
have done as good work as could be
expected with their limited means /; but two
causes have operated to hinder the results
that we're desired First, the local and sec
tlonal interests and jealousies OF the people
and secondly, the deterioration OF our State
Legislatures since the adoption OF the ben
NAL system. Though some of our hopes
have been disappointed, we have yet hope
of good from our present meeting. The
speaker then cordially welcomed the mem
bers Of the association to the hospitalltles
OF the people Of Burlington.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE.
The FIRST topic on the programme was
discussion ON the question, What can be
done to enforce respect for authority among
the pupils Of our schools ~ This was opened
BY II. I Fuller. OF ST. Johnsbury. He re-
marked that respect, like love, is not in it.
self to be compelled. 1t flows from qualities
which lie hack in men. teacher to be
respected must be worthy OF respect, must
have character. must respect himself. Cour-
tesv must be unfsilIng. Teachers and
scholars must come together on gen
eral footing. the same as that on which
they mingle in general society, each
recognizing his place and demanding
that all others shall recognize IT,.
The ability and acquisition OF the teacher
must be proportionate to his position.
Many teachers err through too much talk
ing. Scholars dislike to be scolded. The
prompt, terse rebuke, or the private appeal
TO the scholars own sense of fright and pro
priety are often effective Yet with all else
that can be done, resort to punishment Is
sometimes necessary. This may be deprl-
walton, confinement. or. in extreme cases,
castigation. No single method OF discipline
Is adapted 10 all pupils, nor Is the school
which is best for most. the best for the boys
who need exceptional treatment. The
teacher must have determination TO de-
serve respect, then to secure and MAINTAIN
it by maintaining his rightful authority.
Rev. Theodore Hopkins, of the Episcopal
Institute, this city, spoke of the necessity
OF the parents surrendering all control of
the pupils into the hands of the teacher. of
entire abstinence from tobacco among schOl-
ars, and OF requiring good position and
perfect attention in the school room. APP
peals from scholars to parents should al
ways be returned TO teachers by the
parents Our schools are often too
large,-forty TO sixty pupils are as many
as any ordinary teacher can control.
Dr. J. 5. Spau.ding said he hardly knew
how be managed his school, but he did re-
quire obedience. II this is secured, respect
follows. lie sought what the man would
commend, even if the boy did not always
find 1t agreeable. He sometimes resorted TO
corporal punishment ; if so. he made 1t so
thorough that there was no need of its repe-
tition. He required the same Difference to
his associate teachers as to himself. and al
ways expected that school affairs would 60
on well in his absence.