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Jane Addams' Hull House
This establishment provided classes to poor, working, and immigrant families as well as providing meals, daycare services a homeless shelter. It was also an advocate for social and educational changes. Our current education system struggles in being equitable despite the socioeconomic challenged our students face. Hull house was the first establishment to set the standard that every child, regardless of situation or background deserves to be fed and taught. -
Established School Curriculum
The National Education Association's Committee of Ten designed a standard public school curriculum that recommended eight years of elementary education and four years of secondary education. The Committee of Ten established the template for the standard education curriculum that we still use in schools today. -
American Federation of Teachers
With the founding of the American Federation of Teachers, teaching was finally recognized as a true profession. This federation gives teachers a voice in the policy's being set in education and allows them to promote social improvements through education. Teachers unions still exist today, providing teachers with job security and the position to be included in helping to shape the education they are providing. -
Montessori and Steiner
Maria Montessori and Rudolph Steiner both promoted creative, progressive, and individualized teaching as opposed to teaching all children the same way. Our current education system is consistently trying to find a balance between following a standard curriculum and also providing quality education to children who learn differently. With students needs ever changing, it is essential that teachers be open to new and innovative ways of teaching. -
Brown v. Board of Education
In the Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. This event was monumental to Black Americans and beginning to create an inclusive education system. While our education system is still not equitable, this was the first significant step in ensuring that it is at the very least, equal.
