FIRST ANNUAL SESSION. The Massachusetts Teachers' Association was called to order at Brinley Hall, in Worcester, Nov. 25th, 1845, at 21-2 o'clock, P. M., by Mr. Josiah A. Stearns, of Boston. Mr. Thomas Sherwin, of Boston, was appointed Chairman, and Mr. George Allen, Jr., Secretary, pro tem. The following resolution, submitted by Mr. Joshua Bates, Jr., of Boston, was unanimously adopted. Resolved, That we sincerely approve of the late movements of the Teachers in the State of New York, in the formation of a State Teachers' Association; and that they have the sympathies and coöperation of the Massachusetts Teachers' Association in all their efforts to promote the general interests of Common School Education. Mr. Galloup, Chairman of the Committee on nominations, reported a list of officers, which was accepted, and that gentleman was instructed to provide printed ballots. Mr. Bates, of Dudley, submitted a report on "The means conducive to the highest desirable degree of Intellectual Education;" which was adopted. The following resolutions, submitted by Mr. Peirce, of West Newton, were adopted. Resolved, As the sense of this Association, that the American Institute of Instruction, for the important service it has done, is entitled to the gratitude of all friends of education. Resolved, As the sense of this Association, that the State Teachers' Association is not formed to contravene the operations of the American Institute of Instruction, or of any other literary association, but rather to coöperate with it, in one great and good cause. Mr. Wells, of Andover, submitted the following resolutions on school discipline. 1st, Resolved, That the subject of school discipline is one of incalculable importance at all times, not only to teachers, but to the whole community; that the spirit of subordination to rightful authority is the first element of true freedom, and that the permanency of our free institutions rests, in no small degree, upon the correct discipline and healthful influence of the nursery and the school-room. 2d, Resolved, That it is the duty of this Association to express in unequivocal terms its sentiments on this subject. 3d, Resolved, That, at the present time especially, teachers suffer much embarrassment from the irresolute, wavering opinions which prevail in the community on the subject of corporal punishment, and that unless more sympathy and support are offered to teachers, in enforcing the wholesome restraints of the rod when necessary, the evils of anarchy and insubordination will ere long greatly increase in the adult community. 4th, Resolved, That, not only as an Association, but as individual teachers, we owe our most sincere and active efforts |