Barbara Taylor Bowman, a prominent figure in early childhood education, passed away at the age of 96. Renowned for her extensive contributions to the field, Bowman’s career spanned numerous roles, including consultant, commissioner, speaker, board member, founder, advocate, academic, and author. Her most cherished role, however, was that of a mother and wife, a sentiment expressed by her daughter, Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of the Obama Foundation.
Early Life and Education
Family Background and Upbringing
Born on October 30, 1928, in segregated Chicago, Bowman was the daughter of Robert Rochon Taylor, the first African American chairman of the Chicago Housing Authority, and Dorothy Taylor, a teacher. Bowman’s upbringing in a family dedicated to social service laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to education and advocacy. From an early age, she was immersed in an environment where the importance of social justice and community service was paramount.
Bowman’s educational journey began at Hyde Park High School, and she later graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon, a prep school in Massachusetts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 1950 and subsequently a master’s degree in education from the University of Chicago in 1952. Her marriage to Dr. James Bowman in 1950 marked the beginning of a life spent balancing professional achievements with personal commitments. Her diverse educational experiences across different institutions helped shape her progressive views on childhood education.
International Experience and Return to Chicago
Her professional journey took an international turn when finding limited opportunities in the U.S. led Bowman and her husband to Iran, where her daughter Valerie was born. The family also lived in London before returning to Chicago in the 1960s. During their time abroad, Bowman gained valuable experience and insights into different educational systems and cultural practices. These experiences broadened her understanding of early childhood education and its impact on children’s development.
James Bowman became the first tenured African American faculty member in medicine at the University of Chicago, while Barbara Bowman continued to pursue her passion for early childhood education. Her international exposure, coupled with her educational background, enabled her to bring a unique perspective to the field upon her return to the United States. This international stint not only enriched her professional life but also paved the way for her significant contributions to early childhood education in Chicago and beyond.
Founding the Erikson Institute
Addressing the Need for Trained Educators
In 1966, Bowman co-founded the Erikson Institute in response to the growing need for trained educators for the Head Start program, which aimed to support the educational development of low-income children. Under her leadership, the institute became a cornerstone in the field of early childhood education, preparing generations of educators and significantly impacting the landscape of early education. The institute’s focus on practical training and research allowed it to stay at the forefront of educational innovation.
Erikson Institute’s establishment addressed a critical gap in the training of early childhood educators, ensuring that they were well-equipped to meet the needs of young children from diverse backgrounds. Bowman’s vision for the institute was to create a learning environment that fostered the holistic development of children, with an emphasis on the importance of early experiences in shaping future learning and growth. This visionary approach set the Erikson Institute apart as a leader in the field.
Visionary Leadership and Impact
Erikson Institute President Mariana Souto-Manning described Bowman as a visionary whose legacy extended beyond the institution to transform the entire field of early childhood education. Bowman’s influence was further solidified through her tenure as chief officer for early childhood education at Chicago Public Schools from 2004 to 2012 and her role as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama administration. Her leadership in these roles contributed to significant policy changes and improvements in educational practices.
Bowman’s visionary leadership was characterized by her unwavering commitment to equity and access in education. She believed in the potential of every child and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for their success. Her efforts in shaping early childhood education policies and practices have had a lasting impact on how educators approach teaching and learning in the early years. Her legacy is evident in the many educators and children whose lives have been positively influenced by her work.
Professional Achievements and Philosophy
Humble Approach to Success
Despite her numerous accolades and high-ranking positions, Bowman remained humble, measuring success by the positive change one brings to the world rather than by titles alone. Her daughter Valerie highlighted Bowman’s belief that true success lies in actionable results and credited her mother’s achievements to the collaborative efforts of those around her. This humility and collaborative spirit were central to Bowman’s philosophy and approach to her work.
Bowman’s ability to inspire and motivate those around her was a testament to her character and leadership style. She believed that meaningful change could only be achieved through collective efforts and collaboration. Her emphasis on actionable results and practical solutions resonated with many in the field, making her a respected and influential figure in early childhood education.
Recognition and Influence
Governor JB Pritzker recognized Bowman as a personal hero, praising her pioneering work in early education and its transformative impact on the field, which strengthened educational systems and communities. For Bowman, education was a key tool in unlocking opportunities, a philosophy she imparted to her family, including her granddaughter Laura Jarrett, a chief legal correspondent and co-anchor for NBC’s “Saturday Today” show. Bowman’s contributions have been widely acknowledged, earning her numerous awards and honors throughout her career.
Her influence extended beyond her immediate professional circle, touching the lives of countless individuals and communities. Her work has left an indelible mark on the field of early childhood education, inspiring future generations of educators and advocates to continue her mission. Bowman’s dedication to creating equitable educational opportunities for all children serves as a guiding light for those who follow in her footsteps.
Personal Life and Legacy
Family Commitment and Wisdom
Laura Jarrett recalled her grandmother’s wisdom and ability to provide perspective, a trait that helped her navigate the challenges of being a Black family during the Civil Rights era. Bowman’s reassuring phrases and grounded outlook were staples of her family interactions, contributing to her legacy as a nurturing and influential figure. Her commitment to her family was evident in the way she balanced her professional life with her role as a mother and grandmother.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bowman was deeply committed to her family. She was remembered as a loving grandmother who taught her granddaughter how to bake and as the matriarch who hosted family gatherings at her home. Her dedication to her family was evident in her gardening pursuits and her role as the central figure in family celebrations. These personal connections and interactions added depth to her legacy, showcasing her as a multifaceted individual who made significant contributions both professionally and personally.
Dedication to Family
Barbara Taylor Bowman, a distinguished leader in early childhood education, recently passed away at 96 years old. Throughout her impressive career, Bowman contributed significantly to the field, and her legacy is marked by the many roles she embraced. She served as a consultant, commissioner, speaker, board member, founder, advocate, academic, and author. Each role emphasized her dedication to advancing early childhood education and her influence shaped many educational practices and policies.
Among her various accomplishments, Bowman found her most fulfilling roles to be those of mother and wife. This personal sentiment was conveyed by her daughter, Valerie Jarrett, who is the CEO of the Obama Foundation. Jarrett highlighted her mother’s ability to balance a successful professional life with a devoted family life as one of Bowman’s greatest achievements. Bowman not only left a lasting impact on the educational community but also on the lives of those who knew her personally. Her contributions and loving nature will be remembered and cherished by many.
