Marva Collins
- Born:
- August 31, 1936, Monroeville, Alabama, USA
- Died:
- June 24, 2015, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Educator, Educational Activist, Author
Early Life and Education
- Born to Bessie Mae and Alex Knight.
- Experienced racial discrimination in the segregated South.
- Graduated from Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her teaching career in the Chicago Public Schools system.
- Frustrated with the limitations of the public school system, she founded the Westside Preparatory School in 1975 in her own home.
- Westside Preparatory School focused on individualized instruction and a rigorous curriculum emphasizing classical literature and phonics.
- Gained national recognition for her success in educating underprivileged students who were often deemed "unteachable."
- Refused government funding to maintain autonomy over her school's curriculum and teaching methods.
- Consulted with school systems and educators across the country and internationally, sharing her teaching philosophy and methods.
- Turned down the position of U.S. Secretary of Education offered by President Ronald Reagan.
Notable Works
- Books:
- Marva Collins' Way (1982)
- Ordinary Children, Extraordinary Teachers (1992)
- Television Film:
- The 1981 television film, The Marva Collins Story, starring Cicely Tyson, chronicled her life and work. This film highlighted the power of her teaching methods and contributed to the popularity of the "marva collins creed poster" and other resources related to her educational philosophy.
Legacy and Impact
Marva Collins left a lasting legacy as a champion of individualized education and a powerful advocate for underprivileged students. Her innovative teaching methods and unwavering belief in the potential of every child inspired educators and reformers worldwide. Her work demonstrated that all students, regardless of their background, can achieve academic success with the right support and encouragement.