March Blog Post

Women Who Changed Education:

Trailblazers in Literacy, Pedagogy, and Access to Learning

Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping education, advocating for literacy, pioneering new teaching methodologies, and fighting for equal access to learning. At Treehouse Learning and Development, we believe that education transforms lives, and we stand on the shoulders of incredible women who paved the way for inclusive and innovative instruction. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate three trailblazing women whose contributions continue to inspire educators and learners worldwide:

Mary McLeod Bethune, Maria Montessori, and Malala Yousafzai.

Mary McLeod Bethune: Champion of Literacy and Black Education

Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune dedicated her life to ensuring that Black children had access to quality education. Recognizing the transformative power of literacy, she founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial School for Negro Girls in 1904, which later became Bethune-Cookman University—one of the first institutions of higher learning for African Americans.

Bethune believed that education was the key to empowerment, stating, "The whole world opened to me when I learned to read." She worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for marginalized students, serving as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and founding the National Council of Negro Women to advocate for civil rights and education. Her legacy reminds us that literacy is a fundamental right and a tool for social change.

Maria Montessori: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Education

Dr. Maria Montessori (1870–1952) was an Italian physician and educator whose groundbreaking approach to education transformed how young children learn. As one of the first female medical doctors in Italy, Montessori developed a child-centered method that emphasized independence, hands-on learning, and self-directed exploration.

Her Montessori Method, which prioritizes learning through sensory experiences and individualized instruction, has influenced schools worldwide. She believed in respecting each child's unique learning pace, advocating for an education system that nurtures curiosity rather than enforcing rigid structures. Today, Montessori schools across the globe continue to empower children to become confident, lifelong learners. At Treehouse Learning and Development, we embrace these principles by creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that meet children where they are.

Malala Yousafzai: Global Advocate for Girls’ Education

A modern-day icon of educational activism, Malala Yousafzai has become a global voice for girls’ right to education. Born in Pakistan in 1997, Malala defied the Taliban’s attempts to suppress female education, advocating for the rights of girls to attend school. At just 15 years old, she survived an assassination attempt and emerged even stronger in her mission.

In 2014, Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, using her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized students. Through the Malala Fund, she continues to fight for equal educational opportunities for girls worldwide. Her story is a powerful reminder that education is not just about knowledge—it is about empowerment, freedom, and the ability to shape the future.

Honoring Their Legacies Through Our Work

At Treehouse Learning and Development, we are inspired by these extraordinary women as we work to ensure all students—regardless of background, learning ability, or circumstances—receive high-quality instruction. Through our literacy interventions, tutoring programs, and educational coaching, we strive to break down barriers to learning, just as Bethune, Montessori, and Malala have done in their own time.

As a Black woman in education, specifically special education, I personally connect with this mission on a deeper level. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges students with disabilities and marginalized backgrounds face in accessing high-quality instruction. It is my passion and purpose to continue the work of these trailblazing women by advocating for inclusive educational opportunities and empowering students through literacy and personalized learning.

This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the legacy of women in education and commit to fostering inclusive, engaging, and empowering learning environments for all. Because when we invest in education, we invest in a brighter future for everyone.

How will you honor the legacy of these educational pioneers?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This month’s blog is dedicated to the women educators who paved the way for me to do what I love every day, and that is helping others to realize their educational potential and dreams. I honor you, Mrs. Anita Gaynor, and Mrs. Helen Caise-Wade.