Education History at the University of Michigan
Thought and Action: John Dewey at the University of Michigan
The extraordinary American philosopher John Dewey began his academic career
at the University of Michigan, teaching philosophy here from 1884 to 1894. Dewey's
participation in the highly innovative educational practices taking place
at the University near the turn of the century certainly contributed to
the University's emergence as a significant force in the study of education. Brian
Williams, associate archivist at the University's Bentley Library, examined
an extensive amount of Dewey material in the U-M archives in preparation
for writing this award-winning essay on Dewey's years at the University
of Michigan. A joint project of the School of Education and the Bentley
Library, the document contains fascinating descriptions of Dewey's
early scholarly work, offering a superb overview of an often overlooked
period in Dewey's long career. The essay also contributes much to
our understanding of the emergence of pedagogy as a field of study at the
University of Michigan.
The Science and Art of Teaching: Pedagogy and the Roots of the School of Education, 1879-1921
Well before it established a School of Education, the University of Michigan
took a strong interest in the problems facing public schools. Among
other things, professors in the Department of Literature, Science, and the
Arts sought to improve teaching through a more systematic preparation in
the “science and art of teaching.” This brief history
by Stephen Mucher offers a capsule summary of the growing educational interests
at Michigan from 1858 until the opening of the School of Education in 1921.
The History of the School of Education Since 1921
View this slide show about the history of the School of Education, beginning in the 1920s. Learn about the people, events, and the path the school took to make it into one of the best in the nation.
The building that houses the School of Education used to be an old school building that contained an elementary and high school. Learn more about them here.
The former University Elementary School
This page describes the history of the former University Elmentary School and contains links to resources where you can learn more.
The former University High School
This page describes the history of the former University High school and contains links to resources where you can learn more.
