Irma Salas Silva

Irma Salas Silva (11 March 1903 – 28 April 1987) was a distinguished Chilean educator. She was the first Chilean woman to earn a doctorate in education, obtained at Columbia University in 1930.

Biography Irma Salas was born in Santiago on 11 March 1903, the daughter of educator and Luisa Silva Molina. She followed in her father's footsteps, becoming a noted academic administrator. She was also an advocate for women's rights and education.

She died on 28 April 1987. She was the first Chilean woman to earn this degree.

When she returned home, she joined the faculty of the Pedagogical Institute. She became one of the main promoters of pedagogical experimentation, The organization, which sought to extend and improve the cultural, economic, civic, and social opportunities of professional women and raise the living conditions of women in general, was driven mainly by Amanda Labarca, with Ernestina Pérez as president and Labarca and lawyer Elena Caffarena as vice-presidents.

Honors In 1953 Salas was appointed a UNESCO permanent specialist in education. In 1983 she received the Andrés Bello Inter-American Prize for Education, presented by the Organization of American States. The jury recognized

The University of Chile awarded her the title of doctor honoris causa in 1981.

An elementary school, Escuela Irma Salas Silva, was named in her honor in Concón.