Jane Walters spent many years of her life in one Memphis City School or another. After graduating from Central High School, she received her undergraduate degree from Rhodes College, master's degree from the University of Memphis, and Ph.D. degree from Duke University. Dr. Walters returned to Memphis City Schools as a teacher and counselor at Messick High School. She later accepted the position of Assistant Director of Computer Services for Memphis City Schools.

After a few years, Dr. Walters was named principal for Craigmont High School and served there for 15 years. In 1995, Dr. Walters was appointed as the 21st Commissioner of Education for the state of Tennessee. She was the first woman to hold this position. After her term as commisioner ended, Dr. Walters became the leader of Partners in Public Education (PIPE), a nonprofit organization whose goal is to support Memphis public schools.

In over 40 years of work in education, Dr. Walters has received many awards for her excellent service. She was the first recipient of the Horatio Alger Association's National Educator of the Year Award. In 1993, Craigmont High was designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a "Blue Ribbon School." The Tennessee Legislature passed a resolution recognizing Dr. Walters' accomplishments and outstanding work as Commissioner of Education.

In all of her endeavors, Dr. Walters has consistently put children first. She has made a positive difference in education in Memphis and throughout the state of Tennessee through her passionate work for schools and her continuing efforts for all students.

Jane Walters has helped make history in Tennessee. For fun, play the following Tennessee Trivia Game. If you need some help, checkout a Tennessee Almanac book from the library. (Hint: Look in the Dewey Decimal 900's section)

1. What are the colors of the Tennessee State Flag?

2. In what year did Tennessee gain statehood?

3. By population, name the three largest cities in Tennessee.

4. What is the state flower of Tennessee?

5. According to the 2000 Census, what is the population of Tennesse?

6. Who was the first governor of Tennessee?

7. What is the state bird of Tennessee?

8. Name the capital of Tennessee.

9. Name the famous Tennessean who was born in Limestone, Tennessee, served in the Tennessee Legislature and the U. S. House of Representatives, and died at the Alamo.

10. Name three U. S. Presidents whose home state was Tennessee.

Suggested Educational Activities:

1. Do research to learn what America's public schools were like in 1950 compared to today's public schools.

2. Do a Website study and write a report on the activities of the Tennessee Department of Education.

3. Interview the principal of your school and write a report about his or her job.

Additional Resources

Jane Walters

Brief Biography of Jane Walters. http://www.thinklinklearning.com/about3.htm

Congressional Recognition. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/101gahtm/101_BILL/HJR0367.pdf

Partners In Public Education (PIPE) Homepage. http://pipememphis.org

Educational Fun: Answer Key

1. Red, White, and Blue

2. 1796

3. Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville

4. Wildflower or Iris

5. 5,629,283

6. John Sevier

7. Mockingbird

8. Nashville

9. David (Davy) Crockett

10. Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk