John Dewey

John Dewey (1859-1952) is often called the Father of American Education. He was a psychologist, philosopher, educator, and strongly influenced the reform of educational practice in the United States. Dewey believed that students learned best through actually doing things, and suggested students be allowed to learn about things that interest them. He helped found The New School for Social Research in 1919. Throughout his career he published more than 1000 papers.

Dewey’s book, Democracy and Education, detailed how a healthy productive society depends on an educated, engaged citizenry. And it lays out his vision for achieving that end, beginning with education.