Innovative Educator and Chalkboard Champion Amos Bronson Alcott

Amos Bronson Alcott was born in 1799 in Wolcott, Connecticutt. A prominent member of the Transcendentalist movement, Amos was a self-educated man. Often called the American Socrates, he is known for his progressive and innovative approach to education. He disliked the rote memorization, lecture, and drill so prevalent in the schools of his day. Instead, he focused on the students' personal experiences, advocated a more conversational style of interaction with pupils, and avoided traditional corporal punishments. Amos first taught in Cheshire, Connecticut, and later at the famous Temple School in Boston. He was one of the very first teachers to introduce art, music, nature study, and physical education into his curriculum. He was also an abolitionist and an advocate for women's rights. This remarkable educator is probably best known, however, for being the father of Louisa May Alcott, the author of the classic American novel Little Women. This amazing chalkboard champion passed away from natural causes in 1888.