Today In History: John Dewey Is Born

I believe that education is the fundamental method of social progress and reform.

--John Dewey, My Pedagaogic Creed

The American philosopher and educator John Dewey, known for founding pragmatism, functional psychology, and progressive education, was born on October 20th, 1859 in Burlington, Vermont to Archibald Sprague Dewey and Lucina Artemisia Rich Dewey. One of four boys in a modest family, he attended pubic schools before enrolling at the age of fifteen at the University of Vermont.  He studied philosophy before teaching in a seminary and studying in a psychology lab at Johns Hopkins University, where he earned his Ph'D. After teaching at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago, where he established laboratory schools, Dewey became a professor of philosophy at Teachers College, Columbia University. He served here from 1904 until his retirement in 1930. His belief in democracy, experimentation and experience, has shaped generations of students and teachers, and laid the foundation for modern approaches to education and educational reform -- ultimately encouraging the development of socially responsible citizens. A highly prolific writer, John Dewey published more than forty books, all translated into numerous languages. His extensive works included chapters, articles, reports, reviews, poems, and more. He was the recipient of numerous academic awards and honors,  and became President of the American Psychological Association. Dewey's travels, particularly to China and Japan, significantly influenced the development and application of western ideals in education. At the age of ninety two,  after years of declining health, John Dewey died of pneumonia at his home in New York City.

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning:

• Give a Child Freedom: In That Way He Learns to Control Himself. (1904, Mar 29). The Sun (1837-) 
• Edman, I. E. (1929, Oct 13). Our Foremost Philosopher at Seventy: John Dewey Is Recognized in an Increasing Degree as One of the Deepest Influences in American Life. New York Times (1923-) 
• Ferrari, D. (1934, Apr 08). John Dewey's Philosophy of Art: In "Art as Experience" He Extends His Philosophy of Life into the Field of Aesthetic Experience. New York Times (1923-) 
• Woolf, S.J.  (1939, Oct 15). A Philosopher's Philosophy: John Dewey, at 80, Believes the World Needs a New Humanism based on the Recognition of Great Changes.  New York Times (1923-) 
• Crist, J. (1952, Jun 08). The Man Who Changed Education: John Dewey's Universal Influence Survives Him. New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962) 
• Fine, B. (1952, Jun 08). Education in Review: John Dewey's Great Influence on the Schools of America Weighed by Leading Educators.  New York Times (1923-) 
• Mahanti, P. C. (1952, Aug 24). Aristotle of America: John Dewey, Philosopher of the Plain Man. The Times of India (1861-2010) 
• "Deaths and Funerals": John Dewey Dies, Father of Modern Education Was 92. (1952, Jun 02). Daily Boston Globe (1928-1960) 
• John Dewey, 92, Philosopher Educator Dies: Figure in World Thinking for Half a Century Taught at Columbia 25 Years. (1952, Jun 02). New York Herald Tribune (1926-1962) 
• Krupnick, M. (1995, Sep 24). Liberal Saint: John Dewey, Who 'Brought Pragmatism into the Great World'. Chicago Tribune (1963-1996) 

Tips:

• John Dewey Papers and Letters, 1895-1962,  Columbia University, Rare Books and Manuscripts
• Center for Dewey Studies, Southern Illinois University
• Publications by or about John Dewey held at the Gottesman Libraries, in the Teachers College Digital Collections

Images:

• Photograph of the Bust of John Dewey in Zankel Hall, Courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University
• Photograph of the Bust of John Dewey (in the Library) by Jacob Epstein, Courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University
• Poster Image: Portrait of John Dewey, Courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University

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