The Evolution of Educators - Part 1 (1600-1900)

Summary

This script explores the evolution of American educators, from early informal teachings to today's certified professionals. It highlights the 1642 Massachusetts law mandating education, the rise of women in teaching, and the establishment of normal schools in the 1800s. Key figures like Horace Mann and the creation of common schools are discussed, along with the shift from teaching as a job to a profession, marked by the National Education Association's founding and the rise in teacher certification requirements.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The history of education in America is closely tied with the roles of teachers, which have evolved significantly over time.
• 📜 The earliest regulation of education dates back to a 1642 law in Massachusetts, requiring parents or masters to teach principles of religion.
• 🏡 In 1647, another law mandated at least one teacher for every 50 families in a town, highlighting early educational expectations.
• 🏛️ Each state had its own method for training teachers, with New York establishing private academies to educate future educators.
• 👩‍🏫 The 19th century marked a significant shift with women entering the field of education, bringing a domestic and maternal aspect to teaching.
• 📝 Pennsylvania became the first state to require basic testing for prospective teachers in 1834, setting a precedent for teacher certification.
• 🏢 The establishment of normal schools in 1807 formalized academic teacher training, offering courses to high school graduates aspiring to become teachers.
• 👨‍🏫 Horace Mann, a key figure in American education, established the first common schools and advocated for improved teacher training and salaries.
• 💼 The teaching profession began to shift from a job to a full-fledged profession in the mid-1800s, with the National Education Association founded in 1857 to advocate for teachers.
• 📈 The late 1800s saw a rapid increase in the number of teachers due to factors like western expansion, immigration, and industrialization, with the number of teachers rising from 225 thousand in 1880 to 340 thousand in 1890.

Q & A

What was the earliest regulation of education in America?

The earliest regulation of education in America was the 1642 law in Massachusetts, which required parents or masters to teach principles of religion and capital law.

When did Massachusetts pass a law requiring a teacher for every 50 families in a town?

Massachusetts passed a law in 1647 stating that for every 50 families in a town, there must be at least one teacher.

How did the state of New York train teachers before the establishment of normal schools?

Before the establishment of normal schools, New York trained teachers through private academies that taught educators how to teach.

What was the significance of the 19th century for education and American teachers?

The 19th century marked major changes for education and American teachers, including the entry of women into the field of education, the establishment of the first common schools by Horace Mann, and the introduction of teacher certification requirements.

Why did Pennsylvania become the first state to require a basic test for prospective teachers?

Pennsylvania became the first state to require a basic test for prospective teachers in 1834 to ensure a minimum level of competency in reading, writing, and math.

What were normal schools and how did they contribute to teacher training?

Normal schools were institutions that formalized academic teacher training by offering short courses in educational methods to teach high school graduates to become teachers.

Who was Horace Mann and what was his contribution to American education?

Horace Mann was a strong believer in public education and the teaching profession. He established the first common schools in America, advocated for standardized teacher training, and worked to improve teacher salaries and conditions.

How did the teaching profession evolve from a job to a profession in the mid-19th century?

The teaching profession evolved from a job to a profession in the mid-19th century due to the increasing need for teachers, the establishment of compulsory attendance laws, and the founding of organizations like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.

What was the role of women in the teaching profession during the 19th century?

Women began to enter the field of education in the 19th century, bringing a domestic and maternal aspect to younger grades. They were often hired more frequently than men, especially in common schools, but were not considered equal and were paid significantly less.

What was the situation of teacher salaries in the 1850s in Pennsylvania?

In the 1850s, female teachers in Pennsylvania were paid a mere third of what male educators earned, with a typical monthly salary of 20 to 22 dollars for women.

How did the late 1800s changes in the United States affect the number of teachers and school districts?

The late 1800s saw major changes such as western expansion, immigration, and industrialization, which led to rapid growth in school districts and a corresponding increase in the number of teachers, from 225 thousand in 1880 to 340 thousand in 1890.