Marie Bishop

Marie Bishop, age 94, of Bemidji, MN, died Monday, June 5, 2006 at Neilson Place in Bemidji, MN. Born August 26, 1911, in Fort Smith, AR, she was the daughter of Ray and Pansy M.L. (Younger) Bishop. She was raised and educated in Arkansas graduating from high school in Siloam Springs in 1930. She attended Oklahoma Northeastern State Teachers College in Tahlequah, OK earning her Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Elementary Education and Biological Sciences and also earned minors in mathematics and Physical Science. She felt called to additional education and chose to pursue Childhood and Elementary Education. She began teaching and her early career found her at rural schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma and also schools for American Indian youth in various communities in Oklahoma. After the end of World War II she also taught evening classes to discharged servicemen helping them to earn their GED. In August of 1949 after several summers of class work, she was awarded her Masters Degree in Kindergarten and Elementary Education from University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Co. She was hired by then BSU president C.F. Sattgast in 1950 and taught Kindergarten/Elementary education retiring in 1976 with the title of "Professor Emertia of Education". During the 1952-1953 academic year she participated in a Fulbright Teacher Exchange with the Infant Education Professor, Salisbury Teacher Training College Salisbury, England (a learning as well as teaching experience). Marie was very active nationally in promoting a stronger education base for aspiring kindergarten and elementary teachers as well as promoting kindergarten class as a legitimate education experience to begin elementary education. Her reward for many years of hard work came in 1968 when her curriculum model for a minor in Early Childhood Education was accepted by BSU's Curriculum committee as well as by the Minnesota State Department of Education. This course of study would lead to certification to teach in Nursery Schools, Day Care Centers and Head Start programs. She was active in many professional and civic organizations. These would include BSU Curriculum Committee, Minnesota Department of Education's Kindergarten and Elementary Curriculum committees, the Minnesota Education Association, the National Education Association, National Education Association of Young Children, Minnesota Literacy Council, International Day Care and Child Development Council of America, American Association of University Women, League of Women Voters, Business and Professional Women's Club (Past President), Bemidji Chapter 171, Order of Eastern Star, Paul Bunyan Retired Teacher Association (Past President) and the United Methodist Church. In Lieu of flowers contributions in honor of Marie can be give to the Marie Bishop Early Childhood Elementary Education Scholarship at BSU or the United Methodist Church, Siloam Springs, AR. Funeral Service were held June 9, 2006 at the United Methodist Church, Bemidji, MN with Rev. Eric Hucke officiating. Local funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at Wasson Memorial Chapel, Siloam Springs, AR. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Siloam Springs, AR under the direction of the Wasson Funeral Home of Siloam Springs.

Tributes

Marie Bishop

August 26, 1911 - June 6, 2006