March is a time to celebrate both National Women’s History Month and National Reading Month—two movements that highlight the power of knowledge, education, and the voices that have shaped our world.
Throughout history, women have been at the forefront of early literacy education, revolutionizing how young children develop language skills, advocating for equitable access to reading instruction, and challenging outdated systems. They have pioneered teaching methods, led movements for diversity and inclusion, and developed innovative literacy programs that continue to influence classrooms today.
Who are these trailblazers? Their contributions have shaped the very foundation of early literacy learning. Let’s explore some of the most influential women in early childhood literacy education, grouped by their areas of impact.
Foundations of Early Literacy
Jeanne S. Chall (1921–1999)
A pioneering researcher in literacy education, Chall dedicated her career to understanding how children learn to read. As a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, she founded the Harvard Reading Laboratory in 1966 and played a key role in shaping national literacy policies. Chall emphasized the importance of direct, systematic phonics instruction and worked tirelessly to support struggling readers. She consulted on beloved children's literacy programs such as Sesame Street and The Electric Company. Her legacy continues to influence reading instruction and literacy education today.
Patty Smith Hill (1868–1946)
A pioneer in progressive early childhood education, Hill emphasized play-based learning and child-centered classrooms, recognizing the importance of literacy development in young children. She co-founded the National Association for Nursery Education (now NAEYC) and introduced creative, hands-on experiences that supported early language acquisition. Hill also developed large building blocks for young children, an innovation that remains popular in preschool classrooms today. (And she co-wrote the "Happy Birthday" song!)
Language-Rich Early Learning Environments
Maria Montessori (1870–1952)
An Italian physician and educator, Montessori developed the Montessori Method, which emphasizes child-led, hands-on learning in carefully prepared environments. Her approach fosters independence, curiosity, and self-discipline in young children, with a strong emphasis on language development through storytelling, phonetic exercises, and interactive materials that promote early reading and writing skills. Montessori’s philosophy has influenced early literacy education worldwide, with thousands of Montessori schools continuing to implement her methods.
Susan Blow (1843–1916)
Known as the "Mother of Kindergarten," Susan Blow was a trailblazing educator who established the first public kindergarten in the United States in 1873. Inspired by the educational philosophy of Friedrich Fröbel, she championed "learning through play" as a foundational principle for young children's education, incorporating storytelling, rhymes, and songs to build early literacy skills. Her work laid the foundation for integrating early literacy instruction into public schools, shaping the future of early childhood education in America.
Caroline Pratt (1867–1954)
Pratt was a strong advocate for learning through play and hands-on experiences, recognizing that literacy is deeply connected to exploration and problem-solving. She founded the City and Country School in New York and developed unit blocks, which became a staple in early childhood classrooms, encouraging language development through imaginative storytelling and social interaction. Her child-centered approach emphasized creativity, communication, and early literacy foundations.
Lucy Sprague Mitchell (1878–1967)
As the founder of Bank Street College of Education, Mitchell championed child-centered, play-based education and research-based teaching methods. She emphasized storytelling and real-world experiences as key components of early literacy development. The college's purpose was to combine expanding psychological awareness with democratic conceptions of education, ensuring that literacy instruction was rooted in children's natural curiosity and developmental needs.
Pioneers in Literacy Research and Instruction
Dr. Dorothy Strickland (1933–2020)
An expert in early literacy, Strickland worked extensively on culturally responsive teaching and reading instruction, particularly for Black and multilingual children. Her research shaped literacy programs, helping educators support diverse learners in developing strong reading and writing skills. She was a strong advocate of continued professional development for teachers and served as the first African American president of the International Reading Association from 1977 to 1978 and as president of the Reading Hall of Fame from 1997 to 1998.
Dr. Susan G. Gordon (1924–2016)
"Dr. Susan" was a pediatrician who played a pivotal role in shaping Head Start and early literacy initiatives for children from low-income backgrounds. Alongside her husband, Dr. Edmund Gordon, she researched compensatory education and how early childhood programs could close the achievement gap for marginalized children. She also served as a member of The National Panel on the Measurement of the Program Effects of Head Start, helping to refine early literacy interventions for young learners.
Advancing Literacy Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Early Education
Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in shaping early literacy by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. These pioneers recognized that literacy is not just about reading and writing—it is a pathway to empowerment, self-expression, and opportunity.
By breaking down systemic barriers, advocating for inclusive curricula, and ensuring that all children—especially those from marginalized communities—had access to quality education, these women transformed the landscape of early literacy. Their work continues to inspire efforts to create more equitable learning environments where every child has the tools to succeed.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955)
A tireless advocate for Black education, Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, which later became Bethune-Cookman University. She believed in the power of education to uplift marginalized communities and fought for equal opportunities for Black children. Bethune also advised U.S. presidents on racial and educational policies and worked to break down racial barriers in education.
Dr. Barbara Bowman (1928–2024)
Co-founder of the Erikson Institute, Bowman was a driving force in early childhood policy and teacher education. She worked extensively to improve education for children of color, focusing on family engagement, teacher training, and equitable learning opportunities. Her research has influenced national early childhood policies and Head Start programs.
Dr. Evelyn Reid Syphax (1926–2000)
Syphax worked her entire life to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds had access to high-quality early learning experiences. On Feb. 2, 1959, four black students entered Arlington’s Stratford Junior High School, making it the first integrated public school in Virginia. Mrs. Syphax had taught all four of the students as their third-grade teacher at Langston Elementary School. Later, as chairwoman of the Arlington County School Board, she successfully overhauled the county’s desegregation plan in the 1970s.
Syphax worked her entire life to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds had access to high-quality early literacy experiences. On Feb. 2, 1959, four Black students entered Arlington’s Stratford Junior High School, making it the first integrated public school in Virginia. Mrs. Syphax had taught all four students as their third-grade teacher at Langston Elementary School. Later, as chairwoman of the Arlington County School Board, she successfully overhauled the county’s desegregation plan in the 1970s, ensuring that literacy instruction reached all students fairly.
Marva Collins (1936–2015)
A trailblazer in education, Collins founded the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago, where she implemented a rigorous, literacy-rich curriculum for Black children whom the traditional education system had underserved. She emphasized classical literature and strong language skills, proving that all children, regardless of background, could excel academically with the right support. This documentary explores the Marva Collins approach and the difference it made for thousands of children.
Their Lasting Legacy
As we celebrate the impact of early literacy education, during this National Women’s History Month and National Reading Month, we recognize there are many women who have shaped the way young children learn to read. Their dedication to innovative teaching methods and inclusive literacy programs continues to inspire educators today.
Their lasting legacy lives on in classrooms, shaping future generations of readers and learners.
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