John Dewey was an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer who was born in 1859. He completed high school in three years and entered college at the University of Vermont at age 16. After graduating from college, Dewey took various teaching positions and became the Department Chair of Philosophy at the University of Michigan. In 1896, Dewey played a role in developing the first experimental school called the University Elementary School and outlined his progressive views on how education could improve society.