David Snedden

David Samuel Snedden was one of the most prominent educators of the Progressive era.

He was born on a farm in Kavilah, California, and educated by his mother.

Snedden attended St. Vincent's College in Los Angeles, taking a B.A. in 1890 followed by an M.A in 1892. He went on to complete another B.A. from Stanford University in 1897 and another M.A. in 1901from Columbia University.

Once qualified he spent many years first as a teacher, principal, and superintendent at California's schools, and subsequently as an assistant professor at Stanford (1901–1905), and as adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia University (1905–1909).