Cooke, Flora. (1864–1953)
Cooke, Flora. (1864–1953)
American educator. Name variations: F. Cooke or Flora Juliette Cooke. Born Flora Juliette Hannum, Dec 25, 1864, in Bainbridge, Ohio; died Feb 21, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois; dau. of Sumner Hannum and Rosetta (Ellis) Hannum (died 1870); was formally adopted by Charles Cooke and Luella (Miller) Cooke of Youngstown, OH (1881).
Progressive educator who encouraged economic, racial and cultural diversity in the schools, began teaching in rural areas (1884); worked at Hellman Street School, Youngstown, as teacher and principal (1885–89); became teacher at Cook County Normal School, Chicago (1890); authored Nature Myths and Stories for Little Children (1895); traveled through US explaining Francis W. Parker's educational theories and was his representative at overseas conferences (1890s); joined Chicago Institute (1899) and, after incorporation into University of Chicago, served as principal of Francis W. Parker School (1901–34); edited 12-vol. series, The Francis W. Parker Studies in Education (1912–34); was trustee of Parker school (1934–48); helped found North Shore Country Day School, Winnetka, IL; was a founder and trustee of Graduate Teachers College, Winnetka, and Roosevelt University, Chicago.