Lorna Hodgkinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorna Hodgkinson
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Hodgkinson c. 1922
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| Born |
Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson
13 May 1887 South Yarra, Melbourne
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| Died | 24 March 1951 (aged 63) |
| Education | Harvard University (MEd; DEd) |
| Occupation | Educator and educational psychologist |
| Known for | First woman to receive a Doctor of Education degree from Harvard University |
Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson (born May 13, 1887 – died March 24, 1951) was an amazing Australian teacher. She was also an educational psychologist, which means she studied how people learn and helped those who needed special support. Lorna worked especially with children who had intellectual disabilities.
She made history by being the first woman to earn a Doctor of Education degree from Harvard University. Lorna was very brave. She spoke up about problems in Australia's education system. Even though this caused her some trouble, she never stopped trying to help children.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lorna Hodgkinson was born on May 13, 1887. Her birthplace was South Yarra, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Her parents were Ada Josephine and Albert James Hodgkinson. Her father worked as a sugar planter.
Her family later moved to Lennox Head. After her father passed away, Lorna and her mother moved again. They settled in Perth. Lorna went to Perth Girls' School. In 1903, she started working as a student teacher. This was the beginning of her long career in education.
A Special Career Begins
In 1907, Lorna became an assistant at the Perth Infants' School. She started a special class there. This class was for children with intellectual disabilities. She was one of the first people to focus on this important area.
In 1912, Lorna moved to Sydney. She taught at different public schools until 1915. Then, in 1917, she began working at May Villa in Parramatta. Here, she taught girls with intellectual disabilities. These girls were under the care of the state.
Studying at Harvard University
Lorna was given paid time off in 1920 to study. She traveled all the way to Harvard University in the United States. She worked very hard there. In 1921, she earned her Master of Education degree.
Then, in 1922, she achieved something even more special. She received her Doctor of Education degree. Her doctoral paper was about helping children who learn differently. It was called "A State Program for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atypical Children in Public School Systems." This made her the first woman ever to get this degree from Harvard.
Speaking Up for Children
When Lorna returned to Sydney in 1922, she got a new job. The NSW Department of Education created a position just for her. She became the Superintendent of the Education of Mental Defectives. This meant she was in charge of education for children with intellectual disabilities.
In 1923, Lorna spoke to a special group called the Royal Commission. She told them that the system for caring for these children was not managed well. Her comments caused a lot of public discussion. A government minister, Albert Bruntnell, ordered an investigation.
Lorna was accused of lying about her education to get into Harvard. The investigation decided she was wrong. She was suspended from her job. She was then demoted to a regular teaching position in 1924. But she refused to take the new job and was dismissed. Later, the dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education wrote a statement. He confirmed that Lorna's achievements and abilities were real.
Building a New School
After this difficult time, Lorna left the public education system. But she didn't give up on helping children. She decided to start her own school. It was called the Sunshine Institute. This was a special school where children with intellectual disabilities could live and learn. It was located in Gore Hill, a suburb of Sydney.
Lorna worked at the Sunshine Institute for the rest of her life. She started with only six students. Over time, she built the school up to sixty students. She also gave talks on the radio about "mental hygiene" (which means looking after your mental health). She wrote articles for the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. She also spoke to groups like the Women's Reform League.
Later Life and Legacy
Lorna Hodgkinson passed away from cancer on March 24, 1951. She died at Gore Hill, where her school was located.
The Sunshine Institute was later renamed in her honor. It became the Lorna Hodgkinson Sunshine Home. Today, this important school is still helping children. It is now known as Unisson Disability. Lorna's work continues to make a difference in the lives of many young people.
