Elizabeth Almira Allen

Elizabeth Almira Allen (February 27, 1854 — May 3, 1919)^[1] was an American teacher, teachers' rights advocate, and the first woman president of the New Jersey Education Association.^[2] Allen was born in Joliet, Illinois, daughter of James and Sarah J (Smith) Allen on February 27, 1854, and the eldest of five children.^[2] By 1867, the family had moved to New Jersey.^[2]

Elizabeth Almira Allen
Born	February 27, 1854 Joliet, Illinois, U.S.
Died	May 3, 1919(1919-05-03) (aged 65)
Occupation	Educator
Years active	1871 - 1919

Allen advocated for teachers' pensions.^[2] In 1896, the first statewide teacher retirement law in the U.S. was passed in the New Jersey State Legislature.^[2][3]

In 1896, Senator John B. Vreeland of Mooristown introduced the " School Teachers Retirement Fund Bill," which provided half-pay annuity to teachers who were no longer able to teach, who had over 20 years of teaching experience. The bill was financed by a one percent stoppage from the monthly salary of all those elected to be considered by this law. This bill passed and became the first statewide retirement law for teachers.