Key Figures in American Education timeline

Benjamin Franklin suggested a new secondary school he called the academy. The Franklin Academy was established, which was was free of religious influence and provided practical subjects. The new academy set the model for elective courses, as students were able to select courses they were interested in. (Sadker and Zittleman 2009). This idea remains today, as students are allowed to pick electives they are eager to partake in. Image: https://www.biography.com/people/benjamin-franklin-9301234

In early America, education was provided to only a select class or provided only religious instruction. The American Revolution helped revolutionize America's schools. Thomas Jefferson believed that education should be available to white children from all backgrounds and should include practical skills needed in the country (Sadker and Zittleman 2009). Thomas Jefferson's ideas sparked a reforming of America's education. Image: http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/thomas-jefferson

In 1783, Noah Webster published his American Spelling Book. This speller reflected his idea that spelling and grammar should be based upon the living, spoken language. Webster also made important contributions as a teacher and lobbyist for education (Potter 2014). Webster set the foundation for current American language and spelling, and we now use a dictionary based from his work. Image: https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/noah-webster-4028.php

Horace Mann was the leader of advocating for a common school or, as we know it today, elementary school. Mann is considered today to be the father of the public school (Sadker and Zittleman 2009). Horace Mann began to advocate for the common person, creating what we now know as elementary schools. He helped transform America's public education system into more of what we see today.

John Dewey was one of the most significant educators of the 1900s. Dewey was a leader in progressive education, which included health concerns, new research in psychology and social sciences, and focused on a democratic education approach (Sadker and Zittleman 2009). Dewey helped America's schools be receptive to change, and advocated for a hands-on teaching approach as many teachers use today. Image: http://infed.org/mobi/john-dewey-on-education-experience-and-community/