The Virginia Women’s Monument in Richmond, which was unveiled last week, honors the contributions of women to Virginia. It specifically spotlights the contribution of twelve women to Virginia in education, business, civil rights, and more. Virginia Randolph, a titan in education, is one of the women the Monument memorializes.
During her sixty-year career, Randolph oversaw the education of African-American students in Virginia. She went to rural schools, led the first in-service teacher training for rural black teachers, and pioneered “The Henrico Plan” to monitor and report the improvement of schools under her leadership. She shaped local programs and industrial work to meet the needs of specific schools. Randolph was an innovative force in education. Because of her leadership, every school she led saw improvements in student outcomes.
Women still lead the way in education
The impact of women in education did not end with Randolph. In fact, 77% of teachers across the nation are women. Interestingly enough, 77% of READ volunteer tutors are women as well. Five of six READ teachers, both members of the READ education program staff, our executive director and development director are all women. 57% of READ students are women, too!
Women lead and run The READ Center. They walk in a path that Virginia Randolph and many others cleared. READ salutes the women recognized on the Virginia Women’s Monument. We’ve come a long way, baby!
The READ Center is changing lives through adult literacy. For more information on how you can get involved with the READ Center, consider volunteering as a tutor or donating. If you or someone you know would like more information about joining our classes, learn how to become a student or call 804-288-9930.
