Education
October 10, 1860
School is pleasant. I think "my children" like me, & I try to teach them well. I tell them a great many things not "in the book," & I think my classes are quite "lively."
The education of Frances Willard lasted her entire lifetime. From being taught by her mother in their home to attending schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Evanston, Illinois, Frances Willard remained committed to her education. In her early career, Willard transitioned from student to teacher, sharing her love and devotion to knowledge with her students.
This journal entry demonstrates this transitory period. Willard wrote several journal entries on the anticipation and switch from teacher to student, using the time to reflect on her experience as a student and thinking of ways to become a great teacher. She simply stated, “School is pleasant. I think "my children" like me, & I try to teach them well.”
Willard taught at several local and prestigious schools, before accepting positions in leadership roles at colleges. Frances Willard later became the president of the Evanston College for Ladies and first woman dean of the women’s college at Northwestern University. Even throughout her career as an orator and reformer, Willard relied on her experiences to advocate for girl’s education and political involvement.
October 3, 1859
I hope, eventually, to possess what men call "a liberal education." If the time ever comes, I desire not to forget how vastly ignorant I shall absolutely be, & yet, as the world goes,
I shall not be ignorant. I think the two principal elements of "a good education" to be, first, characteristic, endless, & deep thinking. Second, extensive acquaintance with authors who have proved themselves so excellent that they are regarded by the learned as "standard.
Following out this, second "article" of my belief, I endeavor to let no opportunity pass unused, of reading, thinkingly, such works as I have designated.
Frances Willard’s legacy is recorded in the many socio-political ideas that she shared over the course of her career. Willard would not have become the national leader that she was without the influences of education in her early life. Familial support for her schooling and the countless relationships that she formed at those institutions gave Willard the resources to become a popular leader and teacher.
This journal entry focuses on Willard’s conceptions of women’s and men’s education. She wrote, “I hope, eventually, to possess what men call "a liberal education” adding, “I shall not be ignorant.” Her love of knowledge and goals of a deep and diverse education inspired Frances Willard’s constant state of learning. Even in her adult life, Frances Willard wrote and spoke about education widely, while also studying at her home office in Evanston, Illinois.