Cora Wilson Stewart, born in 1875 and passing in 1958, was a groundbreaking figure in the fight against illiteracy in America. As the first woman elected superintendent of schools in Rowan County, Kentucky, she recognized that addressing adult illiteracy was crucial to uplifting her community. In the winter of 1911, Stewart took a bold step by opening her schools to adults during moonlit evenings, leading to the formation of the Moonlight Schools. This grassroots initiative aimed at eradicating illiteracy within a generation.

The success of the Moonlight Schools inspired similar programs across the nation. Educators from states like Minnesota and South Carolina adopted Stewart’s innovative approach to adult education. The schools focused on teaching students to write their names initially, progressing to practical lessons relevant to everyday life. This foundational education was crucial in empowering individuals to engage actively in their communities.

Stewart’s commitment to literacy extended beyond mere instruction; she created reading primers tailored for diverse groups such as rural residents, soldiers, Native Americans, prisoners, and mothers. Each set of readers was designed to equip learners with essential knowledge, fostering a sense of citizenship and community responsibility. The curriculum emphasized themes such as patriotism, civic duty, Christian ethics, health, and social advancement.

In her exploration of the Moonlight Schools, Yvonne Honeycutt Baldwin delves into the complex narrative of Stewart’s efforts. Baldwin examines the ‘elusive line between myth and reality’ that characterized Stewart’s rhetoric. Like many educators of the Progressive Era, Stewart sometimes romanticized her students’ challenges and exaggerated her achievements. During her lectures in other states, she would often recount how the Moonlight Schools transformed a mountain community in Kentucky ‘from moonshine and bullets to lemonade and Bibles.’

Despite the rhetorical flourishes, the Moonlight Schools had a profound impact, teaching thousands of Americans in underserved communities to read and write. By the time Stewart retired in 1932, the battle against adult illiteracy was far from over, but her legacy as a pioneer in adult education remained significant.

Cora Wilson Stewart’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and leadership. Her methods and insights continue to shape literacy programs and influence adult education policies to this day. Her life’s work underscores the importance of education as a means of empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized groups. As we reflect on her contributions, we recognize the ongoing relevance of her vision in today’s educational landscape.

Stewart’s advocacy for adult literacy and women’s participation in education and politics laid the groundwork for future generations. Her strategies remain a vital part of discussions surrounding adult education today. The Moonlight Schools serve as a testament to the power of education to transform lives and communities, embodying Stewart’s enduring spirit of determination and advocacy.