1923-2004
Theresa S. David was the first Black teacher to be hired permanently at a High School. Previously, Black teachers were only hired on temporary status or as subs. She shows up on the results of the Civil Service test for “secondary Spanish” in the Newark News in 1947, but other sources give her start date as 1946. “When I began teaching,” she said, “they told me I was a pioneer but I didn’t feel that way…I just taught Spanish.”
She served as assistant superintendent, principal of Arts High, and a teacher at Arts High, throughout her career. She ended her career as principal of Vailsburg High. She said, “Of all the things that I’ve done the most important was to create a secondary reading program.” She estimated she’d brought 39 different programs into the schools.
Born in East Orange, Theresa attended Montclair State College, where she did an exchange in Mexico, and lived in Maplewood for many years. She was a member of the NJ Education Association and past President of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Bibliography
“Theresa S. David, 81, assistant school superintendent” Star Ledger, March 5, 2004
Kukla, Barbara “Educator says farewell to career she helped open to Blacks” Star Ledger Feb 15, 1988
“The Principal’s View: Miss Davis IS Arts High” Star Ledger Mar 24, 1968
“Schools official wins permanent post in Newark” Star Ledger Jan 24, 1974
“School jobs list drawn” Newark News Jun 17, 1947
Montclair State college yearbook, 1946
Arts High Yearbook, 1968
“With the Teachers” Club World News 1956.
Newark Library Collections 1 2
“New Jersey Roundup” Afro American Feb 12, 1944