Scholastic Teacher™ Celebrates 125 Years As America's Longest-Running Magazine For Teachers

Originally published as Normal Instructor, the anniversary issue of Scholastic Teacher will give readers an opportunity to witness the history of education and the evolution of the teacher in America as seen through its pages. This special issue explores facts found in the magazine's archives, including:

• In 1895, the day was often started with reading a chapter of the Bible, singing a song, and doing calisthenics!
• Teachers in the early- to mid-20^th century were expected to educate children in nutrition, morality, even gum massage.
• The two World Wars meant an emphasis on patriotism in the classroom—from used-paper drives to marching drills to starting "Clean Plate Clubs."
• In the 1970s, teachers were advised to set aside time for yoga and include experiential learning such as asking whether foods "have tastes that are angry, happy, etc."

Technology in 1894, or 1954, meant something very different than today. The anniversary issue includes:

• A tech timeline, which traces the entry of the typewriter into the market in the 1890s, overhead projectors in the 1960s, and Chromebooks and VR headsets in the 2010s.
• The influence of science and tech: TVs first appeared in classrooms in the early 1950s. "Neither its existence nor effect can be ignored," noted an article. After Sputnik, in 1957, a fierce drive began for more science and technology in schools.
• Descriptions of "AV service squads" in the 1950s. These students (boys only, at that time) were tasked with setting up filmstrips, record players, and tape recorders.

The magazine even shared some dubious fashion advice for teachers, including:

• "You are a lady before you are a teacher. In your pocket should be a pure Irish linen hand-stitched handkerchief." (1903)
• "Colored smocks with suitable necklines and pockets large enough to hold pencils and notebooks are proper professional dress." (1926)
• "For messy tasks, look professional in blue jeans with knee patches and a grandfather's shirt." (1976)

"As our team dug into the archives, we uncovered the history of American education told through 125 years of teacher-to-teacher advice," said Tara Welty, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of Scholastic Teacher Resources. "We were delighted to find many creative suggestions are still relevant today…and a few odd ones that are best left in the past! This very special issue of Scholastic Teacher is sure to delight and surprise anyone interested in teaching and education."

"I have kept copies of my first Instructor issues—from 1977! I devoured each issue as my beginning teacher 'Bible,' always looking for, and finding, new ideas and ways to keep my students engaged," said Mary J. Dodds, an Iowa elementary teacher. "I have seen so many changes in education! Yet, students still love something intriguing and fun, and teachers are always looking for ways to be better, grow in learning, and keep excitement in our teaching. Fall will always smell like apples to me, holidays will always mean room parties and decorating, and spring will always feel electric as students prepare for summer. Instructor [now Scholastic Teacher] gave excitement to each season of my life as a teacher."

Over the past three years alone, Scholastic Teacher has garnered eight prestigious awards for editorial and design, including a 2016 Folio: Eddie Award, two 2016 Jessie H. Neal Awards, and a 2016 AAP Distinguished Achievement Award.

For more information about Scholastic, visit our Media Room: http://mediaroom.scholastic.com

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SOURCE Scholastic