The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-11-10
c. H. DEMPSEY SPOKE
nv BARRE LAST NIGHT
New Head of Vermont's Public School
System Gave Address Before
Woman's Club.

An opportunity to meet Vermont's 8
new commissioner of education, Clar-
ence H. Dempsey, recently of Milton,
Mass, was afforded at Rowland hall
last evening when the Barre Woman's
club gave reception in honor of the
teachers in the public schools and of
Goddard seminary. Practically all the
public school teachers and several of
the seminary faculty were in attend
ance, together with members of the
club and guests.
Commissioner Dempsey did not out
line any of the plans which he may
have for his.work in Vermont, assert
ing that he still had much to "learn"
before coming to any definite conclu-
sions; but he spoke in general way
on "The Education of Our Children, =
having been introduced by Miss
Blanche j. Tilden, vice president of
the club, in happy little speech.
After speaking briefly of the real fas-
cination of the work of teaching, of
watching the developing mind take
cognizance of the wonderful things of
life, Commissioner Dempsey endeav-
ored to impress upon the minds of his
hearers the consciousness that environ
ment has a great deal to do with the
progress of the child in school life. He
said that not only the environment of
the school room but also the circum-
stances of the child at all times must
be considered by the teacher and that
the solution of the problem in relation
to the child must come through proper
appreciation of the various influences
which shape his activities. Sometimes
even the parents have to be shown, he
said, that they are not doing all which
they might do for the benefit Of their
children.
In the second place, the teashers
should consider the children in the
light Of their potentialities, the posi-
bilities for great development among
the children, for. said the speaker, the
young people may turn out to be great
minds.
In order to get the best results from
our school system we must have trained
and competent teachers; and to illus
trate his point the speaker told of an
actual case of MARY" dirty, care
less. unrestrained and impudent child
under an unframed teacher who be.
came model of cleanliness, orderli-
ness. ambition and obedience, after a
weeks training under a well-trained
and competent teacher who came to
the school in a transfer, the former
teacher having been sent to another To-
cation. Commissioner Dempsey did not
say how the state of Vermont should
train its teachers but he simply said
that Vermont must have them.
Furthermore, none but the best
schoolhouses possible will meet the
needs of Vermonts educational system.
The buildings should be attractive and
well kept up. They should be the cen
ters of culture and learning. They
should be Of such a sort that they will
prove an inspiration to the scholars.
In closing, Commissioner Dempsey
said that the schools should be of such
a nature as to enrich public life to the
fullest extent and the efforts of all
ought to be directed toward making
possible the highest development. The
speaker was given very close atten-
tion and his remarks left a favorable
impression.
Prior TO the address, a short musical
progress was given. in which Mrs. Will
liam Holden, accompanied by Miss
Barberi, rendered solo. with an en-
core, and Louis o'Leary, accompanied
by Miss Papin, gave solo and was
recalled for another selection, both
singers being much enjoyed. At the
close of Commissioner Dempsey's ad-
dress an informal social time was en-
loved, during which a large number
took advantage of the opportunity to
speak with the new head of the states
school system. Refreshments were
served by members of the Womsn's
club. Prior to the opening of the pro
gram and at the conclusion of the sd-
dress an orchestra furnished music.