“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai

With the first day of school just a few days away here in Alabama, our minds have turned toward inspiring teachers, optimistic students, and to the opportunities provided by a quality education. This week we decided to explore some of the most forward thinking teachers and professors across the country (and across the decades) and to share a few women from our #womenwhoinspire series whose educations were at the core of their influential and life-changing work.

Homage to a Teacher on the Journal

Maria Montessori

#womenwhoinspire: Jane Goodall – Ph.D. in Ethology

Jesmyn Ward: Novelist, award winner, and professor at Tulane University

#womenwhoinspire: Rachel Carson – Master’s degree in Zoology

Maja Mataric: Professor of Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics at the University of Southern California

#womenwhoinspire: Calina Lawrence – Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts & Social Justice

Kathy Reiche: author, television producer, forensic anthropologist, and professor at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte

#womenwhoinspire: Vivian Malone Jones – Bachelor’s degree in Business Education

Sangeeta Bhatia: physician, bioengineer, and professor at MIT. Watch her TED Talk here.

#womenwhoinspire: Ava DuVernay – Bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and African-American Studies

In Alabama: Carrie Tuggle, educator and children’s welfare advocate