Who was the first special education teacher hired in 1899?

Who was the first special education teacher hired in 1899?

• A. Elizabeth Farrell
• B. Maria Montessori
• C. Susan B. Anthony
• D. Mary Johnson

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how special education began to become a formal part of public schooling. Elizabeth Farrell is recognized as the first special education teacher hired to work within a public school system in 1899. Her role helped establish that children with disabilities could receive structured instruction in schools, setting a precedent for organized programs and professional training in the field. This milestone marks the transition from informal care toward a dedicated educational profession for exceptional learners. By contrast, Maria Montessori is known for the Montessori method of early childhood education developed in the early 1900s, while Susan B. Anthony and Mary Johnson are not associated with being the first public-school special education teacher.

The key idea here is how special education began to become a formal part of public schooling. Elizabeth Farrell is recognized as the first special education teacher hired to work within a public school system in 1899. Her role helped establish that children with disabilities could receive structured instruction in schools, setting a precedent for organized programs and professional training in the field. This milestone marks the transition from informal care toward a dedicated educational profession for exceptional learners. By contrast, Maria Montessori is known for the Montessori method of early childhood education developed in the early 1900s, while Susan B. Anthony and Mary Johnson are not associated with being the first public-school special education teacher.