Roberta Sheridan facts for kids

Roberta B. Sheridan (around 1864-1918) was a pioneering teacher in Baltimore, Maryland. She made history by becoming the first African American public school teacher in a Baltimore City public school.

Sheridan was born in Baltimore County. Her parents were Daniel and Arietta Sheridan. She went to the city's schools for African American students, including the "colored high and grammar school" and the "colored normal school." These schools helped train her to become a teacher.

Becoming a Teacher in Baltimore

In 1888, Roberta Sheridan was chosen to teach at the Waverly Colored Public School. Before this, she had already worked as a teacher in Baltimore County during the 1882-1883 and 1887-1888 school years. Her new job at Waverly was a big deal. For seven years, people had been asking for African American teachers at that school. Her appointment helped to finally meet that important request.

Life and Work at Waverly

While teaching at Waverly, Roberta Sheridan married George W. Biddle, who was also a teacher. They got married on July 26, 1892. The next year, in 1893, their daughter, Hester Maud Biddle, was born.

After a couple of years, their marriage ended. Roberta continued to use her maiden name, Sheridan, and kept working as a teacher in Baltimore. She lived with her mother and daughter at 1441 North Carey Street in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood. She continued to teach until her death in 1918 due to health issues.