Ivana Hirschmann

Ivana Hirschmann (5 May 18668 May 1943) was a Croatian gymnastics professor and the first female physical education teacher in Croatia.

Background and education Hirschmann was born on May 5, 1866, in Donja Zelina to a Croatian Jewish merchant family. From 1873 to 1885, Hirschmann was educated in Zagreb. She finished four grades of public school, four grades of higher girls' school and three grades at monastery preparatory school. Her mentor was Franjo Hochmann, gymnastics professor. On October 18, 1885, with 19 years of age, she received her teacher's certificate. At the time she was known for her short haircut which she wore because of exercise, sports and sweating. In 1888, Hirschmann passed the exam for teaching at the higher elementary schools, and in 1894 the exam for teaching at the higher girls schools. On February 25, 1896, she also finished the course for teachers in Zagreb, and passed the exam for gymnastics teacher at high schools and so finished her education.