Widely praised, Greenwood's Biographical Dictionary of American Educators (Greenwood, 1978) quickly became a standard reference work for students and scholars of American education. This new volume includes biographical sketches of more than 400 notable researchers, leaders, reformers, critics, and practitioners from all major fields of education and extends the coverage of its predecessor to the mid-20th century. Its topical range encompasses such diverse areas as psychology, music, health, measurement and evaluation, science, special education, history, and administration. It treats education at all levels, including early childhood, elementary and secondary, higher, and adult. Most of the educators profiled were active in the 20th century, but several dozen have been included from the 19th century. A special effort has been made to include women and educators of color whose contributions have often been overlooked in the past.

Each biographical sketch includes information on family background, a description of the educator's accomplishments, and a digest of the person's education and career, professional and civic service, major publications, and principal honors. Each profile ends with a list of references, and the volume closes with appendices listing birth places, states of major service, fields of work, a chronological listing of educators, and a list of important dates in American education. A comprehensive index concludes the volume. Educators are included from all fifty states and were selected from numerous suggested candidates for inclusion. Most of the educators profiled were active in the 20th century, but several dozen have been included from the 19th century. A special effort has been made to include women and educators of color whose contributions have often been overlooked in the past.