Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-30
Vermont Teachers Urged to De-
velop Pupils into Strong
Men and Women.
THE STATE CONVENTION
A Large Attendance at Bellows Falls
superintendent OF Education RAN
ger Commends the Good Sense Of
Rural vermonters to the
School Teachers.

annual meeting of the Vermont Teachers
association opened its second session this
morning in the Congregational Church.
The Rev. ]. II. Reid conducted devotional
exercises and a chorus of school children
under the direction of the musical di-
rector. Miss Alice Jackson, sung. Principal
S. II. Erskine of Rutland, president of
the state organization. gave a short adj
dress introducing at the close Prof. John
NJ. Tyler of Amherst College, who gave
the principal address of the morning
How Can We Suit the System of Educa-
ton to the Needs of the Times" Pro-
lessor Tyler said in part:
The methods Of one hundred years ago
are manfestly unsuted to the present. In
the old days the man or child who was
natural was altogether bad. Ministers
preached sermons to the natural man.
Now we are getting nearer the truth and
know that nature must be consulted to
have true system of education. Indeed,
she might be allowed to frame her own
system of education. The great end of
education is strong sturdy men and
women, citizens of character. No farmer
would attempt to raise corn by jack
screws but the examining method with
the child Is on the same basis The bust
ness Of the teacher is to make the con-
ditions best to promote growth and aid
nature. Tie best education in childhood
is that which allows of the foundation
of good sound digestion. A person can
get through the world very comfortably
with very few brains. but must have
sound digestion and proper muscular de-
velopment, which in turn will give a
healthy nervous organization Mr.. Tyler
urged the teachers to let the influences
from the heart dominate as it is the heart
out of which are the issues of life, Feeling
is older than thought and with the aid
of common sense should guide the teach
er. A teachers methods are usually bet
ter than her system but she must not
underestimate the contag1on of strong
Virile personality which does more good
in the school room than the most cul-
tured brain. This system of teaching will
make warm-hearted fairminded citizens
and statesmen.
President Erskine introduced "A.
Weaver of Westfield, Mass, president of
the music section National Educational
association who spoke on the educational
value of the singing period,
The afternoon session opened with q
crowded church, before whom the Hon.
w. L. Ranger, State superintendent of
education gave an address on THE
Teacher and the Public" He said in part
The teacher must bear in mind that he
is the servant of the public and must
respect the wishes OF the parents. Many
teachers feel a certain contempt for the
ltI III me. dllIOIIS WHICH lIitS may It
working. Such must cultivate respect for
the sterling qualities of rural home life
ard not overlook the voice that comes
from these homes. To keep close to the
life of the people - the best source of
inspiration teacher has.
Following this address the teachers
came to the dividing of the ways as con-
ferences in music, science and primary
work were now in order. The primary
conference was in the Congregational
Church in charge of Miss Caroline L.
Wing of the training school at Manches-
ter, y. H. Miss Wing gave a talk on
Some Things | Have Found Helpful in
a Primary School" story telling being
one of her subjects. She gave her method
of class and desk work in a clear manner
by means of drawings and chart work,
She urged the early training Of the
Imagination.
At the music conference in the Baptist
Church Supervisor j. II. Humphrey of
Burlington presided. A good deal of en-
thusiasm was shown and Music teachers
compared experiences and discussed meth
DDS. For several years there has been
increasing interest in this branch of
school work and more notice given it at
the annual meetings.
There was a large attendance at the
science conference in the high school
building, where II. ]. Stannard, principal
at Barton, chairman OF the executive
committee. presided. Prof. j. NJ Tyler
gave practical talk on Mature Study,
followed by Professor Jones OF the Uni
versity of Vermont at Burlington, who
gave some practical hints on teaching of
botany. lie urged more observation and
less text book, more life, more attention
to common things, giving near and more
attention to the great groups and large
relationship,
Art hr1
Bacon of Boston, whose subject was The
Equipment of a Physical Laboratory for
Small Schools" Mr.. Bacon said in part:
The suggestions offered are intended for
the benefit of small schools where only
a small amount of money is available
for equipment. A great deal OF APP
paratus that is ordinarily bought of
dealers in scientific apparatus can be
gotten In only n slightly modified form
from local dealers; also many things car
be constructed by the teacher in the la
boratory. TO make this possible there
should he at least a small collection OF
simple tools. T ILLUSTRATE what can h,
done in the construction of apparatus {
simple balance can be made which uset
with shot as standards of weight will af
ford apparatus for six or eight expert
ments in determination of specific gravity
Duplication of apparatus is thus rendered
possible which could not otherwise b,
afforded.
The teachers took special cars fol
Saxtons River this evening to attend
the reception at Vermont Academy, ten
dered by Principal Edward Ellery. wher,
they were received by DIR. and Mrs. EllerS
with the academy teachers
1t is estimated that fully 80 teachers ar,
being entertained in town. The opening
exercises of the convention were held II
the opera house last evening. Eames or
ClpStrn furnished music, II, ID, RyQel
welcomed the visitors in his usual happy
way and the Hon w, r. Ranger. STATE
superintendent Of education, responded
The principal address of the evening wa,
by President @. Stanley Hall of Clarl
University, Worcester, Mass, whose sub
ject was Tho Present Changes Mos
Needed in our Educational system" A
the close of President Hairs address thu
school board and teachers Of Bellows Fall,
gave reception to the visiting teachers II
Union hall Never before did the hail re
ceive such artistic treatment, the colol
scheme was in green and white. Cozy cor
ners were made and the tables were very
dainty in white with fern leaves and can
dalabra for decoration. An orchestra fur
nished music stationed in a tropical bowe
on the stage made of ferns and palms. Tn,
guests were received by II. ID. Ryder
principal and Mrs Downing. supernten
dent, and Mrs. Merriam. The young la
dies of the high school served dainty re
frcshments and cool punch.
HOUSE BURNED IN NoRTHFIELD.
Northheld Oct. IA dwelling house or
Union street, owned by Frank Gosley an,
occupied by Joseph Possinl and family
was found to be on fire at | o'clock thi
morning. The department. responde,
promptly and the ell OF the house wal
saved together with a barn close to it
ha N tina hnuSa min a