By Shannon Jenkins
Adult Basic and Secondary Education and ESL Teachers
The history of Adult Basic and Secondary Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in the United States is rooted in the broader development of adult education, which gained momentum during the Industrial Revolution. Early efforts focused on vocational training for the working class, with the creation of Mechanics’ Institutes and the Lyceum movement providing education to adults. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century, with growing societal acceptance and government involvement, that formalized adult education expanded. The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984 marked a shift, ensuring equal opportunities for adults in vocational education. ESL instruction became crucial as immigrant populations grew, with programs aimed at improving literacy and language skills. Today, community colleges and specialized programs provide vital support for adult learners seeking to complete their education or enhance their language proficiency, reflecting the continued importance of adult education (New World Encyclopedia, n.d.).
Reference
New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Adult education. New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Adult_education
Librarians and Library Media Specialists
The history of librarians and library media specialists in the United States began with the establishment of Harvard College Library in 1638. Significant milestones included Benjamin Franklin founding a library in Philadelphia in 1731 and the creation of the American Library Association in 1876. As the profession evolved, especially post-Civil War, Melvil Dewey’s development of the Dewey Decimal Classification system and the establishment of library schools opened the field to more women. Despite facing stereotypes and low status, librarianship has adapted through technological advancements and a growing focus on information science, ensuring its relevance in the modern information landscape (Beyond Classroom, 2020).
Reference
Beyond Classroom. (2020). Brief history of librarians.
https://beyondclassroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Brief-History-of-Librarians-Image.pdf
Special Education Teachers
The history of special education teachers in the United States reflects a significant evolution driven by legal and societal changes. It traces back to the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education, which established that all individuals deserve equal access to education. This case laid the groundwork for advocating the rights of students with disabilities. In 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was enacted, mandating that public schools provide free and appropriate education tailored to students with disabilities. Over the years, amendments to this act, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), further emphasized the need for individualized education programs (IEPs) and the importance of inclusion in general education settings. The demand for highly qualified special education teachers has surged, emphasizing the necessity of training and resources to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Today, special education teachers play a vital role in ensuring that these students receive the support needed to reach their full potential (Western Governors University, 2020).
Reference
Western Governors University. (2020, January 9). Special education: History, resources, advice. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/special-education-history-resources-advice2001.html
Teacher Assistants
The history of teaching assistants in the United States began in the mid-1950s, driven by a post-WWII shortage of licensed teachers and a growing demand for community services for individuals with disabilities. Early projects demonstrated the potential of teacher aides to assist in classrooms, leading to increased employment of teaching assistants in both general and special education. By the 1960s and 1970s, federal legislation, including the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, supported the hiring of teaching assistants to enhance educational services for economically disadvantaged and disabled learners. Despite this growth, teaching assistants often remained underprepared for supervisory roles, which were primarily assigned to principals. The 1980s saw further debates on educational quality, yet the reliance on teaching assistants was largely unacknowledged, contributing to their status as “forgotten members” of educational teams. Overall, these decades laid a complex foundation for the evolving roles of teaching assistants in education (National Resource Center for Paraeducators, n.d.).
Reference
National Resource Center for Paraeducators. (n.d.). Paraeducator state of the art: Historical perspective (1950s–1980s). National Resource Center for Paraeducators. https://nrcpara.org/resources/report/historical/
Teachers
The history of teaching in the United States began in the colonial era, with schoolmasters often balancing teaching alongside other professions. The 1820s and 1830s saw the rise of the Common School Movement, led by reformers like Horace Mann, advocating for free and accessible education for all children. This movement significantly increased the demand for teachers, leading to the establishment of Normal Schools aimed at enhancing teacher training and professionalism. Teachers found purpose and independence in their roles, contributing to profound societal changes as education became more widely recognized as essential. However, by the late 19th century, the teaching profession became more standardized, leading to increasing scrutiny and control over teachers’ roles. As educational practices evolved, teachers encountered challenges, including poor working conditions, low pay, and job insecurity. In response to these issues, organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) emerged to advocate for better rights and representation for educators. These unions highlighted the need for reform and support within the teaching profession, emphasizing the importance of teachers in shaping the future of society (PBS, n.d.).
Reference
PBS. (n.d.). Timeline: A history of teaching in America. PBS.
https://www.pbs.org/onlyateacher/timeline.html
Tutors
In the United States, tutoring has played a significant role in the educational landscape, particularly during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Private education arranged by elite families was prevalent, especially in the South, where tutors provided tailored instruction due to scattered settlements and a lack of public schooling. Northern families, in contrast, favored common schools, making tutoring less common. Tutors, often young men or women yet to establish their careers, were employed to provide education in both practical subjects and cultural refinement. Notably, Eli Whitney, who invented the cotton gin while tutoring in Georgia, exemplified the intertwining of education and innovation during this period. As the nation moved towards ideals of equality and publicly funded education, the prominence of tutors declined, particularly in the North, where the focus shifted toward creating equal educational opportunities for all students, moving away from the aristocratic associations of private tutoring (“Education: Tutors,” n.d.).
Reference
“Education: Tutors.” (n.d.). In Encyclopedia.com.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/education-tutors