Lucy Sprague Mitchell

author

Lucy Sprague Mitchell

1878–1967

A pioneering American educator, she helped reshape early childhood education by putting children's curiosity, play, and real-world experience at the center of learning. She is especially remembered for founding what became Bank Street College of Education and for writing for young readers.

1 Audiobook

Here and Now Story Book

Here and Now Story Book

by Lucy Sprague Mitchell

About the author

Born in 1878, she became one of the most influential voices in progressive education in the United States. Her work emphasized the idea that children learn best through active exploration, conversation, and direct experience rather than rote memorization.

She founded the Bureau of Educational Experiments in New York, an organization that later grew into Bank Street College of Education. Her ideas helped shape what is often called the Bank Street approach, which connected child development, classroom practice, and social understanding.

Alongside her work as an educator, she also wrote books for children and adults, including writing about childhood, teaching, and city life. She died in 1967, but her influence can still be felt in early childhood education and teacher training.