This Women’s History Month, we recognize the impact of female educators who transformed schools and expanded opportunities for students in Washington state. These trailblazing women served as principals, administrators, and advocates, shaping policies and breaking barriers in education.
Roberta Byrd Barr – Seattle’s First Black Female High School Principal
📍 Seattle, WA
Roberta Byrd Barr made history in the 1970s as Seattle’s first Black female high school principal when she took leadership at Lincoln High School. A lifelong educator, she worked as a teacher and librarian before becoming an administrator, dedicating her career to improving educational equity. She played a critical role in school desegregation efforts and was an outspoken advocate for racial justice. Beyond education, she hosted the television show Face to Face, where she addressed issues of race, poverty, and education, using media as a tool for social change.
🔗 Read more about Roberta Byrd Barr: HistoryLink
Mary A. Monroe – First Woman President of the Washington Education Association
📍 Spokane, WA
A dedicated school leader, Mary A. Monroe served as principal of Lincoln School in Spokane before rising to become the first woman president of the Washington Education Association. She was a strong advocate for teacher rights, fair wages, and curriculum development, ensuring students across Washington received a high-quality education. In 1912, she ran as the Democratic nominee for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, breaking barriers for women in educational leadership. Her influence helped shape the structure and policies of Washington’s public education system.
🔗 Read more about Mary A. Monroe.
Cheryl Morgan – Washington’s First Female Public High School Principal
📍 Tukwila & Edmonds, WA
In 1987, Cheryl Morgan became the first woman to serve as a principal of a public high school in Washington state when she took the helm at Foster High School in Tukwila. Throughout her career, she was known for her commitment to serving marginalized students, ensuring that all learners—especially those in alternative education settings—had access to the support they needed. Later, as principal of Scriber Lake High School, she worked to create a student-centered learning environment tailored to those struggling in traditional schools. After her passing, her estate left over $1 million to fund scholarships for Seattle Public Schools students.
🔗 Read more about Cheryl Morgan: The Times
Patricia Whitefoot – Advocate for Native Education and Student Success
📍 Yakama Nation, WA
A lifelong educator and member of the Yakama Nation, Patricia Whitefoot has been a powerful voice for Indigenous education in Washington state. She has served as a teacher, principal, and district leader, working to integrate tribal history and culturally responsive teaching into public schools. As a national leader, she served as President of the National Indian Education Association and was appointed by President Obama to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. Her work has been instrumental in preserving Native languages and ensuring Indigenous students see their cultures reflected in their education.
🔗 Read more about Patricia Whitefoot: WSU Insider
Josephine Corliss Preston – Washington’s First Female State Superintendent
📍 Walla Walla, WA
Josephine Corliss Preston was a trailblazer for women in education policy, becoming Washington’s first woman elected to statewide office when she won the role of State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1913. Before her election, she worked as a teacher and principal in Walla Walla, where she saw firsthand the challenges facing rural schools. As superintendent, she fought for better funding, professional training for teachers, and the expansion of public education into underserved areas. Her greatest legacy was establishing teacher cottages—housing for educators in remote communities—to attract and retain quality teachers in rural schools.
🔗 Read more about Josephine Corliss Preston: HistoryLink
Clara McCarty – Washington’s First Graduate of UW
📍 Pierce County, WA
Clara McCarty was not only Washington’s first female high school principal but also the first graduate of the University of Washington. After completing her studies in 1876, she devoted her career to school leadership, eventually becoming Pierce County Superintendent of Schools. In this role, she led efforts to standardize curriculum, improve teacher training, and expand educational access across the county. She was a key figure in the early development of Washington’s public school system, ensuring students across the state received a consistent and high-quality education.
🔗 Read more about Clara McCarty: HistoryLink
Pearl Wanamaker – A Champion for Public Education and Special Education
📍 Olympia, WA
Pearl Wanamaker served as Washington’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1940 to 1957, overseeing major advancements in public education. She expanded funding for school nurses, kindergarten programs, and school bus transportation, making education more accessible for students in rural areas. She was also a fierce advocate for special education, ensuring students with disabilities had the resources they needed to succeed. Wanamaker strongly opposed efforts to use public funds for private schools, believing in the importance of a well-funded public education system for all students.
🔗 Read more about Pearl Wanamaker: HistoryLink
Nora B. Adams – One of Seattle’s First Black Female Principals
📍 Seattle, WA
Nora B. Adams was a trailblazing educator who spent 37 years as a teacher and administrator, becoming one of Seattle’s first Black female principals. She was dedicated to equity in education, ensuring all students had access to academic opportunities regardless of background. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom—she was a skilled investor and philanthropist, leaving over $1 million to fund scholarships for Seattle Public Schools students after her passing. Her contributions continue to open doors for students long after her tenure as a principal.
🔗 Read more about Nora B. Adams: HistoryLink
Honoring Women in Education
From classrooms to school board meetings, these women have shaped Washington’s education system through leadership, advocacy, and a deep commitment to student success. Their contributions laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable school system, ensuring future generations have access to quality education. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize their lasting impact and continue to uplift the voices of women in education.
Do you know an educator who has made a difference in your life? Share their story and celebrate their impact!