Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1894-12-11
State Teachers Association.

Last weeks meeting of the Vermont
teachers, held at Rutland, was in point
of numbers as in the merit of some of
the addresses, one of the most notable
educational meetings of the year. In the
number of young country teachers pres
ent, and also in the number of short pa
pers read, the meeting exceeded that of
last year. The interest in the various
sessions seemed to be unceasing, and
from early morning until late at night
the large audience room in the City Hall
was filled with interested listeners.
From all points of view the convention
was success.
Miss Horton Of our High School, read
a paper on "Self Culture For Teachers"
and it was received with great favor. In
the Herald's report we find this mention:
"'She said that the power of self-lm-
provement was one of the principal diff
ferences between man and the lower an
imals. Then more attention should be
given to the subject than is now done,
as the preparatory training is of impor-
tance, but must go hand in hand with
experience.
sour ideals should be continually
broadening, for true teacher will have
continual desire for self-culture. 1t is
not question of time. Teachers must
take time. They must read, and devote
few minutes each day at least to this
branch, and at the end of the year she
will find she has gained a great deal in
In a linz 81, ~ Al
her money spent in travelling is we'll ex-
pended. 1t is not necessary to 90 a
great distance; short ones will do if she
cannot go across the continent for in
stance. Excursions are now planned by
which she can even go to England and
study. Summer schools are also great
benefit in this line. They are numerous
and they are cheap. 1t is said that va
cations should be given us to rest
These schools are rest and learning COM
bined, and have been proven to be bene-
tiCial to health as we'll as mind. In max
ing choice teachers should select those
where instructors are masters. Here
they see theories used and applied.
This, of course, is to them greater ben
eft than reading those written"
DR.. E. B. Daley of Bennington, ad-
dressed the teachers on the subject of
"School Hygiene" His paper received
great praise and his fine speaking voice
was matter of comment in all parts of
the hall. Like number of others, the
Herald gave his paper space to say:
He first spoke of the great necessity Of
pure air in school buildings, saying that
it was most essential for good health.
Next to this comes personal cleanliness,
not only about the body, but clothes as
well. THE dust should be brushed
from the coat etc. This is especially
necessary where contagious diseases are
prevalent thus promoting, in a larger
measure than one would think, the
spread of epidemics.
He then spoke of the benefit of strict
quarantine, showing the good derived
from its enforcement. Singing" he
further said, SHOULD be done while
standing, in order to give the lungs more
expansion" He then gave several rules
to follow in the school room that were
conducive to health.
All our teachers attended the meeting.
Miss Horton was elected ice-dresident
for Bennington county, and Supt. Chas.
S. Davis of our Graded schools, was
elected president. He has been the eff
cient chairman of the Executive Com
mittee for two years past, of the State
Association. c. E. Davis of Vergennes,
was elected treasurer; Principal C. W.
Richardson of Waterbury Centre, secre-
tary; Executive Committee, Geo. A. Will
liams of Saxton's River, S. j. Blanpied