On Becoming A Historian of American Education

Abstract

When I was in high school and college, it never occurred to me that I would become a historian of education. But I am not, in retrospect, entirely surprised that this is the path I have followed. As far back as I can remember in my adult life, I have been especially interested in American history and politics. That interest could, of course, have taken me in a number of different directions and sometimes did. But, over time, I came to believe that the study of education offered a compelling way for me to combine my interest in history and my interest in politics in a socially relevant fashion.