Florence E. Bamberger

Florence Eilau Bamberger (October 19, 1882 – December 18, 1965) was an American pedagogue, school supervisor, progressive education advocate, and author. Influenced by the ideas of John Dewey, she researched, lectured, and wrote extensively on the concept of child-centered education. She spent most of her career as a professor of education in the department of philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, and was the first woman to attain a full professorship at that university. From 1937 to 1947 she served as director of Johns Hopkins' College for Teachers. After her retirement, she taught in private elementary schools in Baltimore, Maryland.

Early life and education Bamberger was born on October 19, 1882, in Baltimore, Maryland. a Jewish family. She graduated from Western High School and pursued studies at Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Chicago, and Columbia Teachers College. She received all her degrees from Columbia Teachers College: a BS in 1914, an MA in 1915, and a PhD in education in 1922.

Career Bamberger started her career in the Baltimore public school system in the early twentieth century, being an assistant supervisor of practice work for the city board of education. By 1914 she was supervisor of practice teaching, making her the first woman school supervisor in Baltimore.

In 1916 she became an instructor in education in the department of philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. As an advisor for graduate students at Johns Hopkins, she supervised Ira Beaty, father of actor Warren Beatty, who was pursuing his graduate degree in education in 1928.

During the summers, she taught pedagogy at the University of Pennsylvania (1914–1922) and the University of Chicago (1927–1929). and was principal of the secular studies division at the Talmudical Academy of Baltimore. She also developed teacher-training curricula. One of the methodologies that she promoted was the placement of mentors in the classroom to supervise and comment on a teacher's pedagogical skills. Additionally, she was a consultant to publishers of children's books. From 1949 to 1953 she was a visiting professor in education at the University of Florida.

Memberships Bamberger was a member of the National Education Association, the National Society for Study of Education, the National Society of College Teachers of Education, the Baltimore Educational Society, the American Academy of Political and Social Science, the American Association of University Women, the International Peace Council, and the Baltimore League of Women Voters. She chaired the board of trustees of the William Deiches Fund, which provided scholarships for public school students in Baltimore.

Honors Bamberger was listed in the 1933 Who's Who in American Jewry, the 1936 Principal Women of America, the 1939 International Blue Book, and the 1946 Who's Who in American Education, among others.

Personal life She died on December 18, 1965, in Baltimore.

Selected bibliography

(with Angela M. Broening)

Journal articles