Barker, M.C. (1879–1963)

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Barker, M.C. (1879–1963)

American educator and union leader. Name variations: Mary Barker, Mary Cornelia Barker, Mary C. Barker. Born Mary Cornelia Barker, Jan 20, 1879, in Atlanta, Georgia; died Sept 15, 1963, in Atlanta; dau. of Thomas Nathaniel Barker and Dora Elizabeth (Lovejoy) Barker.

Educator who combined creative teaching methods with discipline and worked for higher salaries and continuing education for teachers; taught at Ivy Street School (1904–21), then was principal (1922–23); served as principal at John B. Gordon School (1923–44), in Atlanta, GA; was a founder (1905) and board member of Atlanta Public School Teachers' Association; served as president of Local 89 (1921–23); supported adoption of constitutional amendment to ban child labor (1924); served as 3rd president of American Federation of Teachers (1925–31); joined organizing committee of Southern Summer School for Women Workers in Industry (1926) and chaired the school's central committee (1927–44).

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