African American Teachers

Twenty-four inspiring biographical stories profile the committed African American men and women who dedicated their lives to spreading the gift of knowledge.

Through twenty-four engaging profiles, young readers will learn about the brave black stars who let no obstacle prevent them from their mission of teaching and learning.

Daniel Coker escaped slavery and became a teacher at Baltimore's African School.

Booker T. Washington worked in a coal mine as a child and grew up to become the founder of a college.

Marva Collins, founder of Chicago's famous Westside Preparatory School, proved that every child can learn.

Here are the stories of these and other African American legends who helped reform this nation from colonial times to the present day.

Clinton Cox (Schenectady, NY), a journalist and award-winning children's book author, has twice been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

His book Undying Glory was a CBS/NCSS Notable Children's Trade Book in the field of Social Studies.

Jim Haskins (New York, NY) is Professor of English Literature at the University of Florida, Gainesville, and the author of more than one hundred nonfiction books for young readers. His awards include the Washington Post Children's Book Award and the Coretta Scott King Book Award.