Tiffanie Boggs Karla Henderson Intro to Teaching 1 March 2011 History of Teaching 1825-1900 1825-1900s were one of Americas

most important time periods in history. time period the list of historical events includes: The Civil war and emancipation, Reconstruction, Battle of Little Bighorn, Industrialization, The Great Depression etc. all of which had an impact upon education and teaching. The changes made to education and teaching in these eras were astounding. We went from primitive learning to learning in the school environment with rules. When the Civil War ended in 1865, education was one of the most important issues for blacks. The freedpeoples desire for education was as strong as for religion. (Davis, 2008) Between 1868 and 1879 attendance for schools were low, so the Republican governments created the Souths first public school system. (Davis, 2008) This was also the first time everyone had access to education no matter their class or ethnic background. At this point schools were still segregated and would stay that way for years to come. Attendance increased from 5 percent in African Americans to over 40 percent, and from 20 percent in Whites to over 60 percent (Davis, 2008). Women, like African Americans, had a difficult time receiving education, especially higher education. As a matter of fact only five colleges existed that would allow women to attend untill the 1870s, three were in Ohio and two in Iowa, because of zoning one is now in Michigan, and one in Utah. During this

In the beginning of this time period the common schools were the first state supported schools. Once the common schools began to organize, they incorporated business-like techniques that have been altered throughout the years, and schools are still using these techniques in todays times. As for the living conditions throughout this time period, there is a long list of perplexing facts and personal accounts, some of which can be found in history books such as The American People Creating a Nation & A Society. Water came from hydrants, and women had to carry it inside. Such indoor fixtures as existed frequently poured waste directly into unpaved alleys. No matter how clean people kept the inside of their houses, the outside was just horrid. For blacks the conditions were unbelievably worse. Since the conditions were so disgusting many people died from diseases. Within this time period the government responded in many ways, some of which were the Morrill Land-Grant Act, (which was sponsored by Congressman Justin S. Morrill), provided federal land for states either to sell or to rent in order to raise funds for the establishment of colleges of agriculture and mechanical arts (Parkay, 2010, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998), and the development of Kindergarten- garden where children grow (Parkay, 2010, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998). One of the most significant things is the development of Professionalization of Teaching. Some committees had a profound impact on Professionalization of Teaching which include the NEA, AFT, Committee of ten, and the Committee of Fifteen. From 1825-1855 the philosophy was Existentialism which was the development of individuals, exercise freedom of choice but to take responsibility for your actions. The role of students was to develop independence, self-discipline, and to solve problems. The role of

teachers was to encourage students to fulfill personal freedom. Teaching Methods were discussion, analyze examination of yours and others choices. Subject areas and content studied were all subjects with an emphasis on drama, art, literature, and social sciences. During the time periods of 1856-1900s Pragmatism also known as Experientialism (not progressivism) was the philosophy most commonly used. Unlike the realists and Rationalists, Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and that we learn best through applying our experiences and thoughts to problems, as they arise, the universe is dynamic and evolving, a becoming view of the world. (Cohen, 1999) In the past, schools were vastly different than they are now. Although even now there are complications and improvements that are taking place, it is strange to think that in a hundred and some odd years people may be looking back at our time period and judging what we did or didnt do with our schools. We will be labeled and critiqued. The one constant throughout all of the different reformations and teaching styles has been the teachers themselves. Without a dedicated, caring, and adaptable group of people to fill these roles, the type of teaching is a moot point. Schools are built on the backs of teachers and parents who are willing to join teaching professionals for the purpose of giving their children their brightest possible road to the future.

Works Cited Cohen, L. M. (1999). Retrieved 3 1, 2011, from Philosophical Perspectives in Education : http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ed416/PP2.html Davis, N. W. (2008). The American People Creating a Nation & A Society (Vol. Two). New York: Pearson Custom Publishing. Parkay, F. W. (2010, 2007, 2004, 2001, 1998). Becoming a Teacher. Upper Stddle River: Pearson Education Inc.