MC

Marva Collins

48quotes

Marva Collins


Biography of a Trailblazing Educator

Full Name and Common Aliases


Marva Collins was born May 19, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois. She is also known as Dr. Marva Collins.

Birth and Death Dates


Marva Collins passed away on March 14, 2021, at the age of 94.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American educator, teacher, administrator, and author.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in a low-income African American family, Marva Collins faced numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, she demonstrated exceptional academic potential from an early age. Collins's mother encouraged her education, recognizing the importance of intellectual pursuits for self-empowerment. She attended public schools in Chicago, where she excelled academically and developed a passion for teaching.

Major Accomplishments


Marva Collins is renowned for transforming the lives of disadvantaged students through innovative educational methods. In 1968, she began working with her son, Quincy, who was struggling to learn in his conventional school. She developed a rigorous curriculum that emphasized critical thinking, writing, and reading skills. The results were remarkable: within three years, Quincy's test scores improved dramatically, and he went on to attend the University of Illinois.

Notable Works or Actions


Collins's groundbreaking work with her son inspired her to open the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago in 1975. This private school served students from low-income backgrounds who had been labeled as "unteachable." Collins implemented a comprehensive curriculum that emphasized individualized instruction, hands-on learning experiences, and high expectations for all students.

Collins's unorthodox approach yielded astonishing results: her students achieved an average IQ of 135, compared to the national average of around 100. Her methods also led to increased self-esteem, confidence, and academic performance among her students.

Impact and Legacy


Marva Collins's work has far-reaching implications for education reform. She demonstrated that disadvantaged students can excel when given challenging curricula and high expectations. Her emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and reading skills has influenced educational policies and practices nationwide.

In 1987, 60 Minutes featured Collins's remarkable work in a segment titled "The Superkids." This broadcast brought her methods to a national audience and sparked widespread interest in education reform.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Marva Collins's legacy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to educational excellence. She shattered conventional wisdom about the limitations of disadvantaged students, demonstrating that anyone can learn and grow with proper instruction. Her pioneering work has inspired educators, policymakers, and parents worldwide.

As an advocate for high standards and individualized instruction, Marva Collins continues to influence education policy and practice. Her dedication to empowering marginalized communities remains a testament to her enduring impact on the world of education.

Quotes by Marva Collins

Marva Collins's insights on:

There isn’t a certain time we should set aside to talk about God. God is part of our every waking moment.
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There isn’t a certain time we should set aside to talk about God. God is part of our every waking moment.
MC
Everything works when the teacher works. It’s as easy as that, and as hard.
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Everything works when the teacher works. It’s as easy as that, and as hard.
MC
Mr. Meant-to has a friend, his name is Didn’t-Do. Have you met them? They live together in a house called Never-Win. And I am told that it is haunted by the Ghost of Might-have-Been.
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Mr. Meant-to has a friend, his name is Didn’t-Do. Have you met them? They live together in a house called Never-Win. And I am told that it is haunted by the Ghost of Might-have-Been.
MC
You can pay people to teach, But you can’t pay them to care.
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You can pay people to teach, But you can’t pay them to care.
MC
Until kids decide, ‘I am a miracle. I am unique. There is no one else exactly like me,’ they can never draw the conclusion, ‘Because I’m a miracle, I will never harm another person who’s a miracle like me.’ In this slippery world, they all need something to hang on to.
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Until kids decide, ‘I am a miracle. I am unique. There is no one else exactly like me,’ they can never draw the conclusion, ‘Because I’m a miracle, I will never harm another person who’s a miracle like me.’ In this slippery world, they all need something to hang on to.
MC
Don’t try to fix the students, fix ourselves first. The good teacher makes the poor student good and the good student superior. When our students fail, we, as teachers, too, have failed.
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Don’t try to fix the students, fix ourselves first. The good teacher makes the poor student good and the good student superior. When our students fail, we, as teachers, too, have failed.
MC
Kids don’t fail. Teachers fail, school systems fail. The people who teach children that they are failures, they are the problem.
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Kids don’t fail. Teachers fail, school systems fail. The people who teach children that they are failures, they are the problem.
MC
I’m a teacher. A teacher is someone who leads. There is no magic here. I do not walk on water. I do not part the sea. I just love children.
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I’m a teacher. A teacher is someone who leads. There is no magic here. I do not walk on water. I do not part the sea. I just love children.
MC
If you don’t give anything, don’t expect anything. Success is not coming to you, you must come to it.
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If you don’t give anything, don’t expect anything. Success is not coming to you, you must come to it.
MC
If you can’t make a mistake, you can’t make anything.
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If you can’t make a mistake, you can’t make anything.
MC
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