William Chandler Bagley (March 15, 1874, in Detroit – July 1, 1946, in New York City), was an American educator and editor.
He was professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia, from 1917 to 1940.
An opponent of pragmatism and progressive education, Bagley insisted on the value of knowledge for its own sake, not merely as an instrument, and he criticized his colleagues for their failure to emphasize systematic study of academic subjects.
His other writings include: A champion of educational essentialism, Bagley said "gripping and enduring interests frequently grow out of initial learning efforts that are not appealing or attractive.
"[citation needed] Bagley was editor in chief of the Journal of the National Education Association (1920-1925) and School and Society (1939-1946).