Teresa Patterson Hughes facts for kids

Teresa Patterson Hughes (born October 3, 1932 – died November 13, 2011) was an important American politician and teacher. She was a member of the Democratic Party. Teresa P. Hughes served as a California State Senator from 1992 to 2000. She represented the 25th district. Before that, from 1975 to 1992, she was in the California State Assembly. There, she represented the 47th Assembly District. Teresa Hughes is well-known for helping to make education better in California. She worked hard to improve schools for all ages.

Early Life and Education

Teresa Cecilia Patterson was born on October 3, 1932. She grew up in a neighborhood called Harlem in New York City. Her father, Rogers Patterson, was from Natchez, Mississippi. He worked as a driver. Her mother, Leila Patterson, was from Albany, Georgia. Leila was a preschool teacher and also took care of their home.

Teresa went to St. Joseph of the Holy Family School. She also attended Cathedral High School in New York City. After high school, she studied at Hunter College. She focused on how the body works and public health. She also took classes about society.

Later, Teresa earned a Master's degree from New York University. This degree was in how to manage schools. She then got a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate School and University. Her Ph.D. research looked at how different school leaders thought about things.

Career Journey

Becoming an Educator

After finishing college, Teresa first worked as a social worker. Then, she became a public school teacher. She taught in classrooms for several years. After that, Hughes became an assistant leader in the New York City public school system.

In 1969, Teresa moved to Los Angeles, California. She wanted to continue her studies there. From 1969 to 1975, she was a professor at California State University, Los Angeles. She taught about education. Later, she worked as an expert for the California State Commission. This commission helped prepare and license teachers.

Serving as an Elected Official

Dr. Hughes became a politician in California. She was a Democrat. From 1975 to 1992, she was a member of the California State Assembly. She represented the 47th District. This area included parts of South Central Los Angeles, Bell, Cudahy, Downey, Huntington Park, and Compton.

From 1993 to 2000, she served in the California State Senate. She represented the 25th District. Teresa was the second African American woman to serve in the California State Senate. She retired in 2000 because of term limits. She had served in the California State Legislature for over 25 years.

At the time of her death, Dr. Hughes had served longer than any other woman in the California State Legislature. She was also the first woman and first African American to be on the Senate Rules Committee. This committee helps decide how the Senate works. Dr. Hughes also helped start the California Legislature's Women's Caucus. She was its first leader. This group included women from both major political parties.

Because she cared so much about higher education, President Jimmy Carter chose Dr. Hughes to serve on a special board. This board was for the Student Loan Marketing Association, also known as SALLIE MAE.

Achievements and Lasting Impact

Teresa Hughes made many important contributions.

• The Teresa Hughes Elementary Math and Science Magnet School in Cudahy, California, is named after her. In 1988, when the school was renamed, people said she was "an ardent fighter for education." They called her "the best friend we can have in education."
• She helped write the Hughes-Hart Education Reform Act of 1983. This law set standards for high school graduation. It also raised teachers' salaries and requirements. It created a program for mentor teachers. It also made the school day and year longer.
• She wrote a bill that set aside $800 million for building schools. This bill also helped create a California School of the Arts.
• She wrote a bill that provided money for the California Science Center and its school.
• She wrote the bill that started the Cooperative Care Agencies Resources for Education.
• She received an honorary doctorate degree from Charles Drew Medical School.