Josephine Preston

FIRST SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION 1913-1929

The Minnesota native began her celebratedteaching career in a one-room school house at only 14.
Preston became an advocate for education in rural Washington. She inspired teacher cottages, district-funded living quarters for single instructors.
Preston’s election as superintendent made her the first woman in Washington history to hold statewide office.
Preston became the third woman president of the National Education Association.

"The public school system reflects the needs of the people of the Commonwealth."