Irwin, Elisabeth (1880–1942)

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Irwin, Elisabeth (1880–1942)

American progressive educator. Born Elisabeth Antoinette Irwin, Aug 29, 1880, in Brooklyn, NY; died Oct 16, 1942, in New York, NY; dau. of William Henry Irwin and Josephine Augusta (Easton) Irwin; children: adopted several informally and one legally, Elizabeth Westwood (Mrs. Howard Gresens).

Became field worker and psychologist for Public Education Association of New York City (from 1910); developed experimental program initially housed in and named Little Red School House (1921); after city Board of Education withdrew support, opened private school of same name (1932); added high school department (1941), now named Elisabeth Irwin High School; served as school's director for remainder of life; her school was a focus for progressive school movement, and many of her practices were adopted by NY public elementary-school system.

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