Elizabeth Duncan Koontz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Duncan Koontz
6th Director of the United States Women's Bureau
In office 1969–1973
President	Richard Nixon
Preceded by	Mary Dublin Keyserling
Succeeded by	Carmen Rosa Maymi
Personal details
Born	June 3, 1919 Salisbury, North Carolina
Died	January 6, 1989 Salisbury, North Carolina

Elizabeth Duncan Koontz (born June 3, 1919 – died January 6, 1989) was an important leader in education, civil rights, and the women's movement. She was the first African-American person to become president of the National Education Association. She also led the United States Department of Labor's Women's Bureau.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Duncan, also known as Libby, was born on June 3, 1919. Her hometown was Salisbury, North Carolina. She was the youngest of seven children. All of her siblings could read and write by age seven.

Her parents, Samuel E. Duncan and Lena Bell (Jordan) Duncan, believed strongly in education. They made sure their children were well-educated. This was especially important during a time of segregation. Her father was a high school principal and also taught at Livingstone College. He even became the sixth president of Livingstone College.

Elizabeth's father passed away when she was nine years old. Her mother, Lena Duncan, was an elementary school teacher. Lena also helped adults who couldn't read learn how to. Elizabeth often helped her mother with this important work.

Her brother, Samuel, later became president of Livingstone College too. Another brother, John, was the first African-American commissioner for the District of Columbia.

Elizabeth went to segregated schools in Salisbury. She graduated from Price High School in 1935. She was the second-highest-ranking student in her class. In 1938, she earned her bachelor's degree from Livingstone College. She studied English and elementary education. She then earned her master's degree from Atlanta University in 1941. She continued her studies at other universities later on.

In 1947, Elizabeth Duncan married Harry Koontz, who was also a teacher. They did not have any children. Harry passed away in 1986.

Career Highlights

Elizabeth Koontz started her teaching career as a fourth-grade teacher. She worked at Harnett County Training School in Dunn, North Carolina. She taught students with special needs.

She was a dedicated member of the National Education Association (NEA) for her entire life. This is a large organization for educators. From 1965 to 1966, she was president of the Association of Classroom Teachers, which is the NEA's biggest department.

In 1968, Elizabeth Koontz made history. She became the first African-American president of the National Education Association. During her time as president, she helped the NEA become more focused on important social issues. She created the Human and Civil Rights Division within the NEA. This division worked on many issues affecting education for minority groups.

In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed her to a very important role. She became the first African-American director of the United States Department of Labor's Women's Bureau. As the head of this bureau, Koontz worked to:

• Share research and knowledge with women in other countries.
• Help stop unfair treatment against women and minority groups in the workplace.
• Find and change unfair laws in different states.
• Support the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This amendment aimed to give equal rights to all Americans, regardless of sex.

Koontz believed that women needed freedom. She said, "I believe that what women must have is freedom—the freedom to choose different life styles, the freedom to fulfill the best that is in them."

She also represented the U.S. at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 1975. She advised the Secretary of Labor on programs for women.

From 1975 until she retired in 1982, Koontz was the assistant state school superintendent in North Carolina. She also served on several important boards. These included the Commission on North Carolina Year 2000 and the Educational Testing Service. She was also a trustee for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Pfeiffer College.

Elizabeth Duncan Koontz passed away from a heart attack at her home on January 6, 1989.

Lasting Impact

Elizabeth Duncan Koontz left a strong legacy. The Salisbury Human Relations Council now gives out the "Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Humanitarian Award" every year. This award honors people or groups in Salisbury who have greatly helped community relations.

In 2006, Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary School opened in Salisbury. It was named in her honor.

Throughout her life, Koontz worked hard for equality for all people, regardless of gender or race. In her 1968 speech when she became NEA president, she encouraged educators to work together. She said that "educators ... men and women ... young and old ... black and white ... stand together." Koontz also wanted to get rid of the idea of "women's work." She felt this limited what women could achieve.

Awards and Honors

• Honorary Doctorate of Science in Education, Northeastern University, 1969
• Honorary Doctor of Pedagogy, Bryant University, 1969
• Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Indiana University, 1974
• North Carolina Award for Public Service, 1977