Bloomington Public Schools celebrates Women's History Month

Women’s History Month honors women who have shaped and transcended communities for generations. Over the past few weeks, we caught up with Bloomington’s first female superintendent Leila Anderson and first Black teacher and principal Irma McIntosh-Coleman, to reflect on their contributions as BPS leaders and what the commemoration means to them.

Leila Anderson’s journey in education began at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, where her professor sparked her interest in teaching.

“My professor served as a role model for me and exemplified what kind of teacher I wanted to be in my career,” said Anderson. “She cared about students’ well-being and would often reach out to us.” 

Another inspiration was her mother, who influenced her to dream big. “She was a stay-at-home mom and didn’t get to finish high school,” Anderson explained. “But her passion for education motivated me to study in that field and make a career out of it.”

Anderson started to get recognized for her leadership as a teacher and reading coordinator. She eventually became an elementary principal and later, a superintendent. During her tenure, difficult decisions were made on behalf of the district.

“The decline in student enrollment in the ‘80s and having to close a few schools were notable challenges as superintendent,” Anderson expressed. “Doing what was best for the community was my top priority and as a result, I didn’t want to make an emotional and sudden decision.”

Superintendent Anderson and her team formulated a plan to address the declining enrollment. “Our team organized a committee to analyze data points and finalize a responsible decision to close a school,” said Anderson. “Once that choice was made, the next step was learning how to adapt to the changes.”

Although women in leadership roles were scarce during that time frame, Anderson is proud to see the gains women have recently made over time. 

“To see women today move into leadership roles is so important,” Anderson professed. “Moving from traditional roles and being recognized for leadership skills allows us to be seen and heard.”

When asked what advice she would give to women educators today, she replied, “Be true to your values and yourself no matter the consequences. Don't ever substitute your values for any gain.”

Superintendent Anderson has made a lasting impression in education and hopes to be remembered as a person who cared for children by improving instruction for kids and staff while also seeing them as human beings.

Bloomington’s first Black educator and principal was inspired by a chance meeting in high school with Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University and advisor to president Franklin D. Roosevelt. McIntosh-Coleman stepped out of a meeting when suddenly she noticed the icon approaching. 

“Just being in her presence - I was so ecstatic to see her,” McIntosh-Coleman elated. “But then to have her stop, hug me, and visit with me, that was special.” 

Bethune eventually invited McIntosh-Coleman to her home and shared stories of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as the two were close friends. McIntosh-Coleman described this moment as a significant time in her life. 

After getting to meet her hero, graduating college with a degree in education and building her career in Phoenix, McIntosh-Coleman started teaching in Bloomington Public Schools midway through her career. “I moved to Bloomington back in 1968 and was hired to be a teacher at Cedarcrest Elementary,” said McIntosh-Coleman. “At the time, they were looking to hire a person of color and I became one of the first.”

During her time with Bloomington, Irma excelled as she found opportunities to develop her leadership skills.

“Being a part of committees that were statewide and districtwide was making a difference for our students and schools,” said McIntosh-Coleman. “We went over curriculum writing and educational research and I started to learn a lot of the behind-the-scenes activities.”

After advancing in her own career, McIntosh-Coleman is looking to inspire and help the next generation of women.

“What we need to do is continue to nourish and educate young minds,” McIntosh-Coleman asserted. “Teaching them how to create their own path by guiding them to their vision and help to find their passion.” McIntosh-Coleman’s advice to other women is, “Be rooted and be grounded in what you believe in and stand firm.” Along with her mantra, “I care, you care, we care. Those words influence us so that we can do anything as a community.”