Celebrating Educators for Black History Month: Marva Collins

Marva Collins was a pioneering American educator whose innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed the lives of countless children, particularly those in underserved communities. 

Born Marva Nettles on August 31, 1936, in Monroeville, Alabama, she grew up in a time of racial segregation and discrimination. Despite these challenges, Collins was determined to pursue education, both as a student and ultimately as a teacher, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education.

After graduating from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, Collins became a teacher in the Chicago public school system. Disillusioned by the low expectations and lack of a challenging curriculum for her students, many of whom were Black and from impoverished backgrounds, Collins decided to take a radical step. In 1975, with $5,000 from her pension fund, she founded Westside Preparatory School on the second floor of her home in Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood. Her mission was clear: to provide a rigorous education and to prove that children from all backgrounds could learn and excel if given the proper environment, resources, and encouragement.

Collins’ teaching methods were both traditional and innovative. She emphasized phonics, reading, classical literature, and the Socratic method of questioning to foster critical thinking and self-confidence. Her expectations were high, not just for her students but also for herself and her teaching staff. She believed in the intrinsic ability of every child to learn, regardless of their previous educational background or societal expectations. 

Marva Collins’ work at Westside Preparatory School gained national attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s, showcasing her success in dramatically improving her students’ academic performance. Her story was brought to life in a 1981 feature film, The Marva Collins Story, with Cicely Tyson portraying Collins, further cementing her status as an educational icon. Morgan Freeman played the role of Collins’ husband, Clarence Collins, and tells the story about how the couple struggled at first but eventually succeeded in creating Westside Preparatory School. 

Despite receiving numerous offers to expand her model nationwide and even to serve in government positions, Collins remained dedicated to her school and her students in Chicago. She authored several books on her teaching methods and philosophy, including Marva Collins’ Way and Ordinary Children, Extraordinary Teachers.

Collins’ legacy is a testament to the power of high expectations, rigorous curriculum, and the belief in the potential of every child. Her work has inspired countless educators and reformed educational practices, emphasizing the need for a nurturing yet challenging environment that respects and fosters the intellectual growth of children.

Marva Collins passed away on June 24, 2015. However, her visionary approach to education and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child continues to inspire educators and students worldwide. Through her life and work, Marva Collins exemplified the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on the lives of many, challenging us to expect the best from ourselves and those we seek to teach.