Margaret Bancroft: Teacher with a Dream

Margaret Bancroft was truly a remarkable woman. Born in 1854, the younger daughter of Harvey and Rebecca Bancroft found herself, at age 18, the major source of support for her family. Margaret graduated from the Philadelphia Normal (teachers’) School and immediately began her teaching career in that city. Her zeal and imagination attracted the attention of the school board, particularly chairman Dr. W.W. Keen, a Philadelphia surgeon of national repute – who later helped her finance her school. 

Margaret Bancroft was remarkably intelligent, observant and articulate. She read extensively and appears to have been well grounded in the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of her time. A practical educator, she was both imaginative and systematic, laying the groundwork for educational practices that continue today. She emphasized careful attention to the individual child, designing a program for each pupil, while grouping them in situations where emulation and mutual interaction were desirable.

She was fiercely devoted to her students. In fact, Margaret’s relentless pursuit of her goals sometimes made her a less-than-endearing character. Yet, while she could be domineering, she stressed love and beauty in her programs.

Margaret was active in Haddonfield community affairs and, at one time, was president of the Special Education Section of the National Education Association. She wrote extensively on the subject of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through her articles and lectures to organizations such as the American Academy of Medicine, she became widely known for her forward-thinking views. She championed the cause of children with developmental disabilities and fought for their right to adequate care and education virtually until her death in 1912, at age 58. Her legacy lives on through the multifaceted private organization known today as Bancroft.

Click here to read an excerpt from the book “Margaret Bancroft, Teacher with a Dream.”

This very special book was written by staff member Sister Krista Mote, who works in Bancroft’s Education Program. Sister Krista was inspired to learn more about Margaret’s life when she saw photographs of the founder with her students. Over a five-year period, Sister Krista researched Margaret’s personal life and professional activities through a variety of resources, including the organization’s archives, the Pedagogical Library in Philadelphia, and even the attic of the home of one of Margaret Bancroft’s nieces. To purchase a copy of the hardbound first edition, please send $20 plus $3 shipping and handling to:

Corporate Communications Department
Bancroft
425 Kings Highway East
P.O. Box 20
Haddonfield NJ 08033-0018.

Click here to read a personal recollection of Margaret Bancroft by Mrs. W.L. “Polly” Culbertson of Pottstown, Pa.