Elizabeth Harrison, born on January 9, 1849, in Athens, Kentucky, is best known for founding the Chicago Kindergarten Training School, now known as National Louis University. Growing up in Kentucky, she developed a passion for education and early childhood development. Inspired by the Chicago-based kindergarten movement of the late Nineteenth Century, Harrison decided to pursue a career in teaching.
She attended education classes in New York and St. Louis, immersing herself in the latest teaching methodologies and philosophies. Her dedication to learning and commitment to the field of education would shape her future and forever leave a mark on the world of early childhood education.
Upon returning to Chicago, Elizabeth Harrison opened her famous teacher training institute, the Chicago Kindergarten Training School. Through this institution, she trained future educators in the principles of early childhood development and the importance of play-based learning. Harrison believed in the power of education to shape young minds and saw kindergarten as a crucial foundation for lifelong learning.
Her writings, including books such as Some Silent Teachers, Montessori and the Kindergarten, and A Study of Child Nature, further solidified her legacy in the field of early childhood education. Through her work, she advocated for a child-centered approach to learning and emphasized the importance of understanding the unique needs of each individual student.
Elizabeth Harrison's influence extended beyond the walls of her training institute. She initiated an education conference series that would later become the National Parent Teachers Association, a testament to her commitment to fostering collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community. Her dedication to advocacy and education reform paved the way for a more holistic approach to child development and education.
Despite her passing in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of seventy-eight, Elizabeth Harrison's legacy continues to inspire educators and advocates for early childhood education. Her memoir, Sketches Along Life's Road, published posthumously, offers a glimpse into the life and work of a pioneer in the field.
Elizabeth Harrison's impact on education was not limited to the classroom. She was a friend and contemporary of social work pioneer Jane Addams, both women sharing a passion for social reform and education. Harrison's journey from a small town in Kentucky to the bustling city of Chicago is a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children through education.
Today, Elizabeth Harrison's contributions to early childhood education are celebrated and continue to shape the way educators approach teaching and learning. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to the field serve as an inspiration to all who strive to make a difference in the lives of young children.