Ch 2: Pioneers of Education
About This Chapter
Pioneers of Education - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Education has come a long way from the 1-room schoolhouse often associated with the earliest forms of teaching in America. In this chapter, our instructors introduce you to some of the individuals responsible for shaping education as we know it today. Study these reformers' efforts to create educational opportunities for African Americans, women and people of every socioeconomic status, as well as their attempts to design a more effective curriculum. Lessons in this chapter explore these education pioneers' impact on the following:
- Educational philosophies
- Teaching methods
- Access to education
Video | Objectives |
---|---|
Jane Addams' Impact on Education | Get a short biography of Jane Addams. Assess the impact of her social reform efforts on education. |
Mary McLeod Bethune: Facts & Impact on Education | Learn how Mary McLeod Bethune's civil rights activism opened up new educational opportunities for African Americans. |
John Dewey on Education: Impact & Theory | Study the effects of John Dewey's philosophical views on education reform. |
W.E.B. DuBois: Facts & Impact on Education | Survey W.E.B. DuBois's arguments for equal access to education for African Americans. |
Margaret Haley's Impact on Education | Examine Margaret Haley's political activism. Assess the impact of her efforts to organize teachers' unions. |
Thomas Jefferson's Views on Education | Survey key ideas in Thomas Jefferson's views on education. |
Horace Mann's Impact on Education | Explore the outcomes of Horace Mann's efforts to establish public schools and teacher training institutes. |
Maria Montessori: Theory & Contributions to Education | Consider Maria Montessori's contributions to pedagogy. |
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi: Theory & Impact on Education | Learn about some of the ideas informing Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi's teaching philosophy. Explore his influence on education. |
Booker T. Washington's Views on Education | Survey Booker T. Washington's teaching philosophy and his views on education. |
Noah Webster's Impact on Education | Assess the educational impact of Noah Webster's school readers, grammar textbooks and spellers. |

1. Jane Addams' Impact on Education
Jane Addams had a lasting impact on education and is most known for creating Hull House. Hull House was a community center that focused on not only providing shelter and other basic needs, but it was also a place where continuing education, research, and debate was able to flourish. Learn about how Jane Addams became one of the greatest activists and reformers of her time and the major accomplishments that have made her stand out.

2. Mary McLeod Bethune: Facts & Impact on Education
Mary McLeod Bethune was born in 1875, the daughter of two former slaves. At a young age, she discovered her passion: education. Discover the life and achievements of Mary McLeod Bethune, including her advocacy for equality and the ways she shaped and impacted education, particularly for women and people of color.

3. John Dewey on Education: Impact & Theory
Explore the impact and theory of John Dewey and learn about his biography and views, how he reformed education, and emphasized teacher importance.

4. W.E.B. DuBois: Facts & Impact on Education
W.E.B. DuBois was an influential thinker and activist of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was a champion for civil rights and the first African American to receive a PhD from Harvard. Explore W.E.B. DuBois facts and his impact on education.

5. Margaret Haley's Impact on Education
Margaret Haley was a Chicago teacher during the 19th and 20th centuries and had a huge impact on education. She became a leader for the Chicago Teachers Federation (CFT), while also continuing to teach in one of the poorest area of Chicago. Study how Margaret Haley became a leader in the educational field and the activism she fought for to bring about needed change.

6. Thomas Jefferson's Views on Education
Thomas Jefferson was not only a founding father and third president of the United States, but he also had a big impact on education. Jefferson believed that education should be a local government matter, children should have three years of education supported by the government, and that lower socioeconomic children should have access to education. Discover more about Thomas Jefferson's views on education and why he is still relevant today.

7. Maria Montessori: Theory & Contributions to Education
Dr. Maria Montessori was an educational reformer who took a child-centered approach on education. Explore Montessori's educational theory, methods, and contributions in this lesson.

8. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi: Theory & Impact on Education
Swiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi advocated for methodologies in education that considered the development of the whole child back in the 19th century. Learn about Pestalozzi, his theory, its impact on education, and review his method and philosophy about how to reform education.

9. Booker T. Washington's Views on Education
Booker T. Washington was born a slave, but through determination and hard work, he became the founder of the Tuskegee Institute. Examine Booker T. Washington's views on education and his beliefs that advancement for African Americans would come only if they were temporarily submissive to the racist institutions of the US.

10. Noah Webster's Impact on Education
Noah Webster looked at the early American educational system and saw a need for a unified American language. This insight led him to create the dictionary of the American English language, which was revolutionary in helping children in school to learn reading and writing. Explore the work of Noah Webster and learn how it has had a lasting effect on education.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Education 101: Foundations of Education course
- History of Education in the United States
- Psychology's Impact on Education
- Major Philosophies of Education
- Education Court Cases, Legislation, and Federal Documents
- School and System Governance
- Special and Inclusive Education
- National Professional Organizations in Education
- Studying for Education 101