TITLE The Progressive Era was a time that brought about a lot of important changes in American society, particularly in the field of education. One of the most well-known advocates for these changes John Dewey, commonly referred to as the “father” of progressive education. Although Dewey’s ideas were quite prominent and significant in the educational changes happening at this time, he was not the sole voice in the progressive era regarding education. Many other voices, like Cora Bigelow, George Counts, and Lewis Terman all had their own important sentiments regarding how education should change in this dynamic time in America. Dewey’s ideas have shaped much of the education system that we have today. However, the reforms that occurred during
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Bigelow discusses the need of teachers to be a part of the conversation of how school business is run. One thing she explains is how school officials will not discuss finances with teachers. She claims that when teachers attempt to, "...they are called mercenary and self-seeking and are at once in great disfavor, if not disgrace. School teaching is the one occupation where reasonable regard for one's own financial welfare is seemingly not a virtue" (Bigelow 197). She goes on to explain that teacher’s wanting to be a part of the conversation is not out of greed, but out of necessity for being paid enough to support oneself. Although Cora Bigelow advocates in favor of a democratic approach toward schools, she is describing it more for the teachers than for the schools themselves. However, she does say, "There will never be peace and contentment in school systems until school committees become as democratic as the professional school officials, until school autocracy is exchanged for school democracy, and until school committees apply the deep, broad democratic principles to their temporary power, which are not being worked on in the great world issues, as the good which can come out of the present world war against autocracy" (Bigelow
Bigelow discusses the need of teachers to be a part of the conversation of how school business is run. One thing she explains is how school officials will not discuss finances with teachers. She claims that when teachers attempt to, "...they are called mercenary and self-seeking and are at once in great disfavor, if not disgrace. School teaching is the one occupation where reasonable regard for one's own financial welfare is seemingly not a virtue" (Bigelow 197). She goes on to explain that teacher’s wanting to be a part of the conversation is not out of greed, but out of necessity for being paid enough to support oneself. Although Cora Bigelow advocates in favor of a democratic approach toward schools, she is describing it more for the teachers than for the schools themselves. However, she does say, "There will never be peace and contentment in school systems until school committees become as democratic as the professional school officials, until school autocracy is exchanged for school democracy, and until school committees apply the deep, broad democratic principles to their temporary power, which are not being worked on in the great world issues, as the good which can come out of the present world war against autocracy" (Bigelow