# Deborah Meier
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deborah meier (born April 6, 1931) is an American educator who is known for promoting the modern small schools movement. After spending several years as a kindergarten teacher in Chicago, Philadelphia and then New York City, in 1974, Meier became the founder and director of the alternative Central Park East school, which embraced progressive ideals in the tradition of John Dewey in an effort to provide better education for children in East Harlem, within the New York City public school system.
Meier then worked to open two other small public elementary schools, Central Park East II (where she also served as principal) and River East, both in East Harlem.
151. Deeper Learning and Mastery at Red Bridge, with Orly Friedman
Listeners, if you are inclined to go to the Red Bridge school website, which I hope you are, and you click on Our Team in the NAV bar, you will find the following bio for Orly Friedman, Red Bridge’s founder: “When I began teaching in 2007, I wanted to expand real opportunity for kids, and since the…
The pioneers: Democracy front and center (Part One)
We speak with Deborah Meier and Jane Andrias, pioneers in the democratic small-school movement. Debbie founded the Central Park East Schools. Jane Andrias was an art teacher and principal at Central Park East I. Debbie and Jane discuss these ground-breaking schools, their ethical foundations, the “…
Restoring the Humanity of Social and Emotional Learning - With Chris McNutt
Chris McNutt joins us for a transformative conversation about his work as the co-founder and executive director of Human Restoration Project, a nonprofit organization focused on truly listening to youth and reimagining school at a systems level. Chris shares what he has learned about SEL through ‘e…
The pioneers: Democracy front and center (Part Two)
We speak with Deborah Meier and Jane Andrias, pioneers in the democratic small-school movement. Debbie founded the Central Park East Schools. Jane Andrias was an art teacher and principal at Central Park East I. Debbie and Jane discuss these ground-breaking schools, their ethical foundations, the “…
The Whole Point Is That There’s No Point
February 15, 2026
The Whole Point Is That There's No Point
Early-childhood educators remind us how vital it is for kids to have plentiful opportunities to engage in free play - which, sadly, is often denied to them as academic pressures are imposed too early and too intensely. But let's consider s…
Deborah Meier on Public Education and Democracy: What makes an ethical school
We talk with MacArthur “genius” award winner Deborah Meier, a founder of the small schools movement, about what makes a good school. She talks about how to build and maintain trust and mutual respect among students, teachers, and families.
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“Progressive High School” Is Not an Oxymoron
June 1, 2026
“PROGRESSIVE HIGH SCHOOL” IS NOT AN OXYMORON
In theory, the fact that all but a handful of states have eliminated do-or-die exit exams allows high schools to finally do right by teenagers, to help them become engaged intellectuals and caring people. A leading theorist…
The Price of Progress: What 17 Years at One School Teaches You with Mark Pingitore
What does it actually take to lead a school through a decade of transformation without losing the people along the way?
In this episode of Evolution Stories, Christian Talbot sits down with Mark Pingetore, Head of School at the American School of Barcelona, to explore what 17 years of leading chang…
Episode 40: "Changing the World Is Possible" with Deborah Meier and Matt Alexander
In this rich conversation, Shane and Alcine welcome education icons Debbie Meier and Matt Alexander to explore what democratic schooling has meant across generations — and what it demands of us right now. Debbie traces her path from accidental kindergarten teacher to founder of Central Park East an…
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