Groundbreaking Educator Taught Kindergarten From 1946-1954
Perkins Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa is honoring an important figure in its district’s history. The school’s library will now bear the name of Harriette J. Curley, the first African American teacher ever hired to teach in Des Moines public schools.
Curley Broke Barriers As Kindergarten Teacher
Curley taught kindergarten at Perkins Elementary from 1946 to 1954. Her hiring came one year before Jackie Robinson famously broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
At the time, Curley’s appointment was met with backlash from some community members who claimed nearby property values would decline. However, school leadership stood firmly behind the decision to recruit her because she was deemed the most qualified candidate.
Pioneering Educator Left Lasting Legacy
During her eight years at Perkins Elementary, Curley made a profound impact through her talent and dedication despite prejudice against her race. She retired having paved the way for greater teacher diversity to follow in the district.
While Curley has since passed, Perkins Elementary hopes naming the library as the Harriette J. Curley Library will honor her critical role in advancing educational equality. A dedication ceremony is being held on January 7.
Special Mural Planned As Further Tribute
To further commemorate Curley’s place in school history, a local artist will paint a special mural on site depicting her life and work. The art installation will remind all students of how she broke barriers over 75 years ago so more teachers today can inspire classrooms that fully reflect Des Moines’ community.
As the district’s first African-American educator, Harriette J. Curley etched a permanent legacy that will continue inspiring students at Perkins Elementary for generations.
