What Progressive Education Means To Me

Progressive education is rooted in a powerful idea: learning should be centered on the child. It challenges the notion of rigid, one-size-fits-all teaching and instead focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. This approach has shaped not just my career but the way I think about the purpose of education itself.

A Brief History of Progressive Education

The progressive education movement began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as educators sought to break away from the industrial model of schooling. Leaders like John Dewey championed that education should prepare students for life, not just work. Dewey believed that schools should be laboratories for learning, where students actively engage with ideas and problems instead of passively absorbing information.

Carleton Washburne (The Winnetka Historical Society)

At the heart of the movement was a belief in experiential learning—where students learn by doing—and a commitment to fostering democratic values in schools. Carleton Washburne, the superintendent of Winnetka Public Schools in the 1920s, brought these principles to life with the Winnetka Plan. This approach emphasized individualized learning, creative exploration, and community engagement, laying the foundation for much of what we consider progressive education today.

Progressive education continues to evolve, but its core principles remain the same: learning should be relevant, dynamic, and deeply connected to students' lives.

My Own Experience with Progressive Education

For over three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working in schools that embrace progressive ideals. From my early days at Ohio University to my years in the Winnetka Public Schools, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this approach can be for students and teachers.

One of the most formative experiences of my career was teaching at Hubbard Woods School, where the legacy of the Winnetka Plan still thrives. There, I learned the importance of trusting students to take ownership of their learning and the power of building authentic relationships with them. Later, as a librarian, I applied these principles to create spaces where students could collaborate, explore, and create. I’ve seen what happens when you let kids lead—it’s messy, magical, and always worth it.

A Quote From Carleton Washburne

What Progressive Education Means to Me

At its core, progressive education is about believing in kids. It’s about meeting them where they are and helping them grow into curious, compassionate, and capable individuals. To me, it means:

• Learning is a partnership: The best learning happens when teachers and students collaborate to co-create the experience.

• Mistakes are part of the process: Real learning comes from trying, failing, and trying again.

• Curiosity is the engine: When we spark a child’s curiosity, we ignite a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

• Education is preparation for life: Progressive education isn’t just about academic growth—it’s about helping kids navigate the world with empathy, confidence, and resilience.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that progressive education has shaped how I teach and see the world. It’s taught me to embrace change, value relationships, and trust the growth process—for my students and myself.

With just a few years left in my career, my goal is to continue making a difference in the lives of my students and colleagues. I want to inspire others to see the potential in progressive education and, most importantly, in the kids we teach every day.