Marie Kruse
Marie Caroline Ernestine Clementine Kruse(1842–1923) was a pioneering Danish schoolteacher andprincipal,specializing in the education of girls. She also helped to establish and support several educational organisations for women.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Born on 19 February 1842 inFlensburg,Kruse was the daughter of Johan Hinrich Jes Kruse (1805–59) and his wife Anna Magdalene Christine Becker (1815–59). Her father had helped to establish the first Danish-language school in Flensburg. It was here that Kruse and her siblings were educated in both Danish and German. After her confirmation, she went on to learn French, English and Italian, receiving private tuition from the schoolteacher and politicianChristian Flor(1792–1875). After her father's death in 1859, together with several friends, he paid for training up to the level of head teacher atN. Zahle's SchoolinCopenhagenfrom 1860 to 1862.[2]
Career
[edit]
On receiving her qualification, Kruse joined Louise Thomsen at the school she ran for the sons and daughters of Danish officers who had served or lived inSchleswigandHolstein.After Thomsen died in 1869, she ran the school herself. In 1879, she moved the school into new premises on Absalonsgade in Copenhagen, where it became Marie Kruse's School with 146 pupils. In 1886, she moved it once more, this time toFrederiksberg Alle.When Kruse retired in 1902, there were 336 pupils. It was recognized as one of the country's best schools for girls.[2]
As a schoolteacher, Kruse was strongly influenced byNatalie Zahlewho became a lifelong friend. Both aimed at giving girls an education which would allow them to be self-supporting. Increasingly, she received the support of affluent parents who believed their daughters should move with the times and be able to stand on their own two feet. Always keen to support the history of southernJutlandin her curriculum, in 1884 Kruse was a co-founder of theSønderjysk Samfund(South Jutland Society), becoming a member of the board in 1898. With a view to providing pensions for retired teachers, she foundedForeningen til Lærerinders Understøttelse(Association in Support of Women Schoolteachers), and in 1872 was a co-founder ofKvindelig Læseforening(Women's Reading Association). She was also an active member ofDansk Kvindesamfund(Danish Women's Society) andDen danske Pigeskole(Danish Girls' School).[2]
Kruse retired in 1902 when she was only 60, apparently because she had difficulty in accepting the educational reforms of the times. Laura Jensen, a former pupil who became the school's principal, appreciated the discipline she had acquired under Kruse: "She was strict but many of us developed a strong liking for her discipline as with time we learnt that it was in our best interest."[2]
In 1894, Kruse was awarded the DanishMedal of Merit.She died on 12 February 1923 inFrederiksberg.[2]
Legacy
[edit]Marie Kruses Skoleis today located inFarumnorth of Copenhagen.
References
[edit]- ^"Marie Kruse".Den Store Danske(in Danish).Retrieved8 January2017.
- ^abcdefEssinger, Bent."Marie Kruse (1842–1923"(in Danish). Kvinfo.Retrieved8 January2017.