Sarah Louise Arnold facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sarah Louise Arnold
Born	1859 Abington, Massachusetts, US
Died	February 26, 1943 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	educator author
Language	English
Nationality	American
Alma mater	Bridgewater Normal School
Genre	textbooks

Sarah Louise Arnold (1859 – February 26, 1943) was an American educator and author. She was also a strong supporter of women's right to vote. Many teachers and students knew her well. In 1902, she became the first dean of Simmons College. Later, in 1925, she became the national president of the Girl Scouts. Sarah Louise Arnold also wrote many books for teachers and school textbooks.

Early Life and Education

Sarah Louise Arnold was born in Abington, Massachusetts, in 1859. She grew up with a large family, having 14 brothers and sisters.

She was very smart from a young age. She could read Latin when she was just eleven years old. She finished high school at thirteen. After that, she went to Bridgewater Normal School, which is now Bridgewater State University.

A Career in Education

Sarah Louise Arnold dedicated her life to education. She first worked as a supervisor for primary schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From 1895 to 1902, she was the Supervisor of Schools in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sarah Louise Arnold in 1922

In 1902, Arnold made history. She became the first dean of Simmons College, now known as Simmons University. At that time, no other woman had held such a high position in the U.S. education system for so long. She often said that a course by Emerson E. White helped her greatly. It taught her how important it was to think clearly.

In 1922, Arnold stepped down from her leadership role at Simmons College. She wanted to become an "educator-at-large." This meant she could travel and give speeches about education. She spoke in almost every state in the U.S. During World War I, the Federal Food Administration sent her to colleges and universities. She gave talks to encourage people to help with the war effort. She also spoke at meetings for the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Once, over 3,000 people listened to her speak in Cincinnati Music Hall.

Leading the Girl Scouts

From 1925 to 1928, Sarah Louise Arnold served as the national president of the Girl Scouts. During her time as president, she focused on education for young girls. She believed in the power of learning and understanding.

Writing for Learning

Arnold wrote many textbooks. Her books covered topics like literature and grammar. Some of her well-known books include Stepping Stones to Literature and Arnold Primer. She also wrote Waymarks for Teachers. In 1934, she published The Way of Understanding. This book was especially for Girl Scout leaders.

Supporting Women's Rights

Sarah Louise Arnold was also a strong supporter of women's right to vote. She was active in many groups that worked for this cause. In 1913, she was the president of the American Home Economics Association. She also advised groups like Better Homes in America. She was an honorary vice-president of the Women's Municipal League of Boston.

Later Life and Legacy

Sarah Louise Arnold lived in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, and later in Boston. She passed away in Boston on February 26, 1943. Her important papers and writings are kept at Simmons University. They help us remember her contributions to education and women's rights.

Selected Works

• Waymarks for Teachers, 1894
• Stepping Stones to Literature, 1897 (with Charles Benajah Gilbert)
• Reading; how to teach it, 1899
• The Arnold Primer, 1901
• The Mother Tongue, 1905
• The mastery of words, 1916
• The story of the Sargent industrial school at Beacon, New York, 1891-1916, 1917
• The Way of Understanding, 1934

Images for kids

• 

  Sarah Louise Arnold in 1922