Charles Allen Prosser

Charles Allen Prosser (1871–1952) was the Father of Vocational Education in the United States and the architect of the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act. His mission in life was to help improve the education of American children.

Charles Allen Prosser was born the son of a steel worker on September 20, 1871 in New Albany, Indiana.

He attended DePauw University in 1897 and 1906, where he received his B.A. and M.A. degrees. He also attended the University of Louisville where he received a L.L.B. degree. His Ph.D. was from Columbia University. Prosser also received many honorary degrees from several other universities in the United States.

Charles Allen Prosser taught physics and history at the old New Albany High School. He later served as Superintendent of the local school district from 1900 until 1908. During this time he improved the old instruction system by streamlining many regular activities, he upgraded the required teacher qualifications, under his administration he built the then new high school located at E. 6th and Spring Streets, he assisted the city in obtaining the present library, and also instituted the city's first program. Prosser was president of the Indiana Teachers Association for several years while living in Indiana.

For several years Prosser also served as a Juvenile Judge in Floyd County adjudicating cases involving minors and juvenile delinquents. This helped Prosser form his opinions on the needs of youth.

While superintendent, Prosser met many boys who were most interested in working with their hands to make things and only wanted to learn a trade. Prosser began to think that schools should help train boys for trades with the help of a Ph.D.. He would not return to the superintendency at New Albany.

...
Wikipedia