Anna Beach Pratt

Anna Beach Pratt (June 5, 1867 – January 3, 1932) was an American educator and social services organizer who developed early school social work programs in Philadelphia public schools.

Life

Anna Beach Pratt was born on June 5, 1867 in Elmira, New York. Her parents were Catherine Pratt (née Beach) and Timothy S. Pratt, a merchant. Though raised as a Presbyterian, Pratt converted to Quakerism and joined the Society of Friends later in life. In 1887, at the age of 21, Pratt was elected to the board of trustees at Elmira College. The appointment of a young woman to the position was uncommon at that time. In 1899, Pratt was also working as a schoolteacher at the Saint Ursula School for Girls in Elmira. She continued teaching at Elmira College until at least 1900. Pratt formally studied social work in 1906 through a summer course at the New York School of Philanthropy in New York City. Social services in Elmira were centralized through Pratt's federation. Pratt herself interviewed up to sixty-seven clients per day to determine their needs. The federation utilized a formalized registration process unusual to social services at that time.

Pratt moved to Philadelphia to attend a graduate program at the University of Philadelphia. She graduated from the year-long program with a master's degree in 1916.

Pratt became ill in the spring of 1931, cutting short a trip to Spain. Her health never recovered. On January 3, 1932, aged 64, Anna Beach Pratt died at her home in Philadelphia.