Minnesota School of the Air

The Minnesota School of the Air was a series of instructional radio programs written and produced for school-age children to listen to in the classroom. Originating from the University of Minnesota’s radio station KUOM, the series was designed to supplement the curriculum of local school districts across the state. Each program was typically between 10-15 minutes in length and covered a wide range of educational topics, from music and literature to speech and science.

The series was first launched on September 26, 1938, with the broadcast of “Puss-In-Boots,” the inaugural episode in a program called “Interesting Tales for Little Folks.” Over the years, the series underwent several title changes, eventually settling on the name The Minnesota School of the Air by 1940. The originator and first director of the series was Dr. E.W. Ziebarth, an educational broadcaster at the time.

The Stars

While The Minnesota School of the Air did not have any regular stars in the traditional sense, it did feature a dedicated team of writers, producers, and performers who brought the educational content to life.

One of the most notable figures associated with the series was Betty Thomas Girling, who became the Director of the MSA in 1945.

Girling served as the administrator, producer, performer, and script writer for the program until her death in 1979, overseeing its operations and ensuring the continued quality of the educational content.

Key Dates

• The Minnesota School of the Air ran for over four decades, from its debut on September 26th, 1938.
• Its final season was 1978-1979.
• During this time, the series won numerous national awards, including its first in the spring of 1940.

Other Information

In addition to its educational focus, The Minnesota School of the Air also served as a platform for showcasing the talents of local and regional artists. The series featured a variety of musical performances, from folk songs to classical compositions, as well as dramatic readings and storytelling. The program’s content was further enhanced by the use of sound effects and other production techniques, which helped to engage the young listeners and bring the educational material to life.

Despite the series’ long-running success, it faced challenges over the years, including changes in educational priorities and the rise of television as a dominant media form.

However, the MSA remained a beloved and influential part of the educational landscape in Minnesota, inspiring generations of students and teachers alike with its engaging and informative programming.