Harvard Graduate School of Education

Established in 1920, the Harvard Graduate School of Education has a rich history. The Harvard Graduate School of Education was the first school to grant the EdD degree. It was also the first Harvard school to award degrees to women. This makes the Harvard Graduate School of Education a pioneer in higher education. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Harvard Graduate School of Education faced uncertainty. The Harvard Corporation questioned its financial viability and withheld tenure from its faculty. However, Dean Patricia A. Graham, the first female dean of a Harvard faculty, fought for the school. She secured tenure for its faculty and defined its mission. This pivotal moment solidified the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s place within the university. It also set it on a path to become a leading institution for education research and leadership. The Harvard Graduate School of Education has played a unique role in shaping education. It’s a bridge between academic disciplines and the practical needs of the educational field. The school offers master’s and doctoral programs. It’s home to innovative research projects like Project Zero, founded by Nelson Goodman in 1967. This project, later directed by Howard Gardner, explores artistic cognition and education. Its findings are freely available to educators. The Harvard Graduate School of Education also offers Usable Knowledge. This resource, developed by Kurt Fischer and Joe Blatt, helps educators apply the school’s research in their practice. The Harvard Graduate School of Education’s centennial celebration highlights its impact. The “100 Years, 100 Stories” project showcases anecdotes. One story tells of Gerald Lesser, a faculty member whose research on television’s effect on children influenced “Sesame Street.” Today, the Harvard Graduate School of Education continues its mission. Dean Bridget Terry Long acknowledges the persistent challenges in educational equity. She emphasizes the school’s dedication to preparing educators, advancing research, and improving learning outcomes for all. The Harvard Graduate School of Education stands as a testament to its founders’ vision. It remains a powerful force for positive change in education.