Ed. Magazine Because We Actually Helped Teachers Fly Posted January 23, 2020 By Ed. Magazine Did we really help teachers become pilots? Sounds far-fetched (and there’s certainly no space in Harvard Square for a runway), but in 1943, at a time when patriotism was high, the Ed School did its part for the war effort when the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) requested that we offer a free pre-flight aviation course for high school teachers. At the time, the CAA was worried that America would not be ready for the next world war; aviation education, the agency believed, was critical to the nation’s future. Initially, the program focused on prepping college students, but by the spring of 1942, the CAA and the U.S. Office of Education teamed up on a program to “air condition” school-aged kids — that is, teach them basic aviation skills. As Robert Hinckley, an assistant secretary for air, noted in his 1942 book Air-Conditioning Young America, “History has faced us with the plain alternative: Fly — or die! The entire nation must become air-conditioned.” The 15-week course at the Ed School prepared high school teachers to understand meteorology, navigation, civil air regulations, and general servicing and operation of aircraft. Former Dean Henry Holmes taught the course. Explore HGSE's Centennial website, a central resource for events, stories, ways to get involved, and more. Ed. Magazine The magazine of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Explore All Articles Related Articles Askwith Education Forum Future of Education: A New Vision for Higher Education in Indigenous Communities An essential conversation with five indigenous scholars and education leaders as we search to bolster and secure the future of higher education for indigenous communities and deliver on the promise of education Ed. Magazine #56: Because We Actually Waited for Superman A look at our most attended Askwith Forum, plus a video message from the director. Ed. Magazine #83: Because Belonging Matters Our new director of diversity, inclusion, and belonging writes about why it was important to have the word “belonging” in her title.