E. C. Warriner

Warriner wrote the 1913 text The Teaching of English Classics in the Grammar Grades,[n 1] published by Riverside Press (a division of Houghton Mifflin) and used widely in U.S. schools at the time. Warriner published the text when he was the Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools. The Teaching of English Classics, not only included classic fiction such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but also American contributions such as Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. A lover of literature, and a believer in its power to cultivate character, Warriner published the widely used text for the purpose of helping the young people of America love literature. His son, John E. Warriner, wrote the popular text Warriner's English Grammar and Composition. E. C. Warriner, also renowned for his generosity and philanthropy, promoted education in this way. One newspaper recounts how Warriner and his wife donated a library full of books to an event hosted by the Girls Scouts of America in the hopes of promoting both literature and education within the girls' formative years.[5]

Warriner viewed sports as important crucibles of character—especially honesty—and was instrumental in establishing formal rules for school athletics.[6]

Letter from E. C. Warriner, President of the Michigan Branch of the American School Peace League, urging its members to celebrate Peace Day as a means of educating students about non-violent dispute resolution through the newly established Permanent Court of Arbitration (in The Hague, Netherlands)

Warriner was a leader in the Peace through Education Movement that blossomed after the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 from which emerged international treaties which aimed at the promotion of peace through law and international organization. Central to the Peace through Education Movement in the United States was the Celebration of Peace Day on May 18, chosen because it was the day on which the 1899 Hague Peace Conference opened.[7]

Warriner was founder and President of the Michigan Branch of the American School Peace League on October 28, 1910. He conducted the meeting at the 99th semi-annual Teachers Association of Gratiot County.[8] As such, he urged public school teachers in Michigan to educate its young people about the "new world order" and international organization aimed at peace that were ushered in by the early Hague Peace Conferences (of 1899 and 1907). Warriner spoke publicly on peace prior to the U.S. entry into the Great War[9][10][11] and was engaged in a public debate with Governor Chase Osborn about the propriety of introducing rifle shooting in schools, which the Governor endorsed.[12]

Warriner was a strong advocate for equity in education, and specifically, in educational materials. He spoke at both Joint School Superintendent meetings and later, at the State Teachers' Association on the disparities between educational opportunity in rural areas and urban areas of Michigan. He noted that the urban areas were offered more reliable, up-to-date, and consistent textbooks, in particular, and that the successes of students residing in rural areas were not thoroughly considered. Warriner argued that children in rural areas deserve the same opportunities and quality materials as those in urban areas, and that the educational boards must not discriminate between geological region in Michigan schools.[13]

Warriner strongly believed in American history being taught in schools. He wrote an article stating its importance and impact. Warriner believed that American history was a vital component of becoming an intellectual citizen, which was the whole point of education.[14]