Helen Parkhurst

Helen Parkhurst (* January 3, 1887 in Durand, Wisconsin, † June 1, 1973 in Milford Connecticut ) was an American educational reformer. She worked as a teacher, writer and editor. She was the founder of the Dalton Plan and was the founder of the Dalton School.

Born in Durand, Wisconsin, in 1907, she studied at the Wisconsin Teachers College in 1907 and later at the Universities of Rome and Munich and at Maria Montessori. In 1943 she was awarded by the Yale University the master's title.

Quote

"I am of the opinion that the influence of the conversation of a teacher with one child on any ordinary school subject is much stronger than what is said in one class hour. The older we often hear sermons or lectures that inspire us, and if we can talk about points with the preacher or lecturer then, the effect is much more emphatic and more durable. But how many class hours must listen to children who are boring and useless, or others in which they not muster enough interest to ask a question? If we use class teaching and individual work at the appropriate places, the best results to be set. "