Jean Byrne: Teacher and former New Jersey First Lady.

There are many examples of talented teachers who have also made a mark in the political world. Such is the case with Jean Byrne, an elementary school teacher who became the First Lady of New Jersey in the 1970’s.

Jean was born in Newark, New Jersey, on October 17, 1926. Her parents were George and Jane (Crysler) Featherly. She was raised in nearby West Orange. After she graduated from West Orange High School, Jean enrolled in Bucknell University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Although she majored in Spanish, she garnered academic awards in English composition and literature. She later earned her Master’s degree in Education from New York University.

After her college graduation, Jean taught second grade at an elementary school in West Orange, New Jersey. She also taught in schools in Harlem and Manhattan.

In 1953, Jean married Brendan T. Byrne. In those days, women teachers were not allowed to work when they were in the family way, so when Jean became pregnant with her first child in 1954, she was forced to resign from her teaching position. Jean and her husband had a total of seven children together.

Jean became the First Lady of New Jersey when her former husband, Brendan Byrne, was elected governor in 1974 on the Democratic ticket.  The couple served their state until 1982. During her tenure as First Lady, Jean concentrated her energy on issues related to education and health care. One of her daughters was born with Down’s Syndrome, so Jean advocated tirelessly for research into the condition. She was a lifelong advocate of quality education and civil rights.

Jean and Brendan were divorced in 1993, and Jean settled in Princeton, New Jersey. Sadly, she passed away from babesiosis, a tick-borne disease which affects the red blood cells, on August 9, 2015. She was 88 years old.

To learn more about this amazing educator, see this interview recorded by Rutgers University.

Stellar educator and former Governor of Nebraska, Ralph G. Brooks

There are many stellar educators who have earned acclaim in the political arena. One of these is Ralph G. Brooks, a high school teacher from Nebraska who eventually became his state’s governor.

Ralph Brooks was born in Eustis, Frontier County, Nebraska, on July 8, 1898. His father was a farmer and store owner. As a child, Ralph’s family moved often. They lived in the towns of Kearney, Elm Creek, and Sargent. Early on, Ralph discovered that he had a passion for learning. His favorite quote, and the one he said shaped his life, was from Abraham Lincoln, “I will study and get ready, and my chance will come!”

Ralph graduated from Sargent High School in 1916. He immediately launched into his career as an educator, teaching for four years in high schools in Cherry and Custer County. Then, to better his skills, he enrolled at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1920. There he excelled at debate, winning the National Oratorical Peace Contest in 1923. During those years Ralph also served as a member of the College Council and the Assistant Editor of the college paper. He also worked as the Associate Editor of the magazine of the State Highway Department.

Following his graduation in 1925, Ralph attended the University of Nebraska College of Law. In 1930, he was admitted to the Nebraska Bar Association, although he never practiced the profession. Later, while teaching in Hartington, Nebraska, Ralph completed the requirements for his Master’s degree in School Administration at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He then worked at several high schools in Nebraska and Iowa. In 1946, Ralph relocated to McCook, Nebraska, where he became the Superintendent of Schools and then the President of McCook Junior College.

Ralph became interested in political office in 1942. That year he ran for Congress  to represent Nebraska’s 1st District. He won the nomination, but lost the election to his Republican opponent, Carl Curtis. Just 16 years later, however, the McCook educator was elected the 29th governor of Nebraska. While in office, Ralph championed an interstate highway construction program, supported a comprehensive traffic safety program, and promoted the state’s industrial growth. While still in office, this Chalkboard Champion passed away on Sept. 9, 1960. He was 62 years old. He is buried at Lincoln Memorial Park, Lancaster County, Nebraska.

To read more about this amazing educator and politician, click on this link to the McCook Gazette.

Former teacher Joan Bray also served in the Missouri State House of Representatives and the State Senate.

Many fine educators have also served as able politicians. One of these is Joan Bray, a teacher who has served in both the Missouri State House of Representatives and the State Senate.

Joan was born on September 16, 1945, Lubbock, Texas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from Southwestern University in 1967. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Relations from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1970. She also earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1971. After earning her degrees, Joan taught first in Colorado and then in Massachusetts.

During the years she worked as an educator, Joan also employed as a journalist. She worked first for the San Antonio Express News, and then with the St. Louis Post Dispatch. During this time she also served as the Vice President of Local 49 of the Newspaper Guild.

The former teacher was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Missouri House of Representatives. She represented the 24th District there from 1993 to 2002. In 2003, Joan was elected to the Missouri State Senate to represent the 84th District. She served there until 2010. As a senator, she served on the committees for Ways and Means, Transportation, and Appropriations. Joan left the political arena when she reached her term limits.

Joan currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Carl Hoagland. To read more about this Chalkboard Politician, read the Missouri Senate biography Joan Bray.