Camila Otero Urta

Chilean educator who established South America's first women's university

Camila Otero Urta (1842-1912) was a visionary educator in 19th century Chile. Defying societal expectations, she founded the Escuela Normal de Preceptoras in 1877 - the continent's first institution granting teaching credentials to women. This became the basis for Chile's modern teacher training system.

Her 1883 publication La Mujer en la Educación Nacional argued for women's intellectual equality, influencing educational policies. She later established the Universidad de Chile's Women's College in 1891, which became a model for coeducational reforms. Otero Urta's methods emphasized:

• Hands-on pedagogy
• Scientific education for women
• Teacher mentorship programs

She developed the first standardized teacher certification process, raising educational standards nationwide. Her advocacy led to the 1895 law requiring primary schools to admit girls. The Biblioteca Camila Otero in Santiago preserves her educational manuscripts and early textbooks.

Otero Urta's legacy includes:

• First female university professor in Chile
• Creator of the country's first kindergarten system
• Inspiration for the 1920 women's suffrage movement