Teacher Appreciation: Black Educators Who Saved Us - Page 3

3. Marva Collins (1936–2015)

In 1975, after years of disillusionment with Chicago’s public school system, Marva Collins took matters into her own hands. With her own savings, she opened Westside Preparatory School in her home, focusing on children who had been labeled as “unteachable” or learning disabled, according to National Endowment For The Humanities.

Her teaching philosophy centered on classical education, discipline, and high expectations, became an instrumental tool at the school. Within one year, every student exceeded expectations.

Collins became a national icon. Her success led to honors, awards, and a television movie about her life starring Cicely Tyson. President Ronald Reagan even offered her the role of Secretary of Education, which she declined to continue teaching. Collins proved that when educators believe deeply in their students’ potential and refuse to lower the bar, extraordinary things happen.

“All children can learn,” Collins said previously. “For 30 years, we have done what other schools declare impossible…I don’t make excuses–I take responsibility. If children fail, it’s about me, not them. I tell my students, if you think excellence is difficult, you don’t want to try failure.”