Joan Imogen Howard facts for kids
Joan Imogen Howard (born November 7, 1848, in Boston, died November 8, 1937, in Philadelphia) was an important American teacher and school leader. She came from the state of Massachusetts. Joan Howard was known for supporting equal rights for everyone. She was the first African American woman to graduate from Girls High and Normal School in Boston. She was also the only African American person to be part of a state committee for the big Columbian Exposition.
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Early Life and School Days
Joan Imogen Howard was born in Boston in 1848. Her father, Edwin Frederick Howard, was a well-known person in the city. Her mother, Joan Louise Turpin Howard, was from New York. Joan had a sister, Adeline Turpin Howard, who became a school principal in Washington, D.C. Her brother, Edwin Clarence Joseph Turpin Howard, became a doctor. He was the first African American to graduate from Harvard Medical School.
Learning in Boston
Joan was a very bright student. She graduated from the Wells Grammar School in Boston with honors. She was one of ten students who received a special silver medal. Her parents wanted her to continue her education.
After passing a tough entrance exam, Joan went to the Girls' High and Normal School. She was the first African American woman to attend this school. After three years, she also became the first African American woman to graduate from it. At that time, this was the highest level of schooling available in Boston.
A Career in Education
Right after graduating, Joan Imogen Howard was offered a job. She became an assistant teacher at Colored Grammar School No. 4. This school was later renamed Grammar School No. 81. For several years, she also led an evening school in the same building. Many students attended her evening classes.
Further Studies and Big Roles
Joan continued to learn and improve her teaching skills. She took classes at the Normal College of New York City. In 1877, she earned a Master of Arts diploma from this college. Later, in 1892, she received another advanced degree. This was a Master of Pedagogy from the University of the City of New York.
Joan also played a special role on a state committee. She was part of the Board of Women Managers for the Columbian Exposition. This was a huge world's fair held in Chicago in 1893. She was one of five people on the Committee on Education for the State of New York. This showed her importance in both education and public service.
