Hereditary Society of Teachers
Member jure Mary Jane Cavender (20th Century); member no. 196
Member jure Mary Jane Cavender (20th Century); member no. 196
The Hereditary Society of Teachers is the only hereditary society dedicated to honoring educators across the centuries. Founded in 2010, the Society recognizes the contributions of teachers who have shaped the boundaries of education in what is now the United States. Membership in this society celebrates the legacy of educators who have made a lasting impact on their communities.
Mary Jane Cavender, born on October 14, 1918, in Bradford, Ohio, is my maternal grandmother and the basis for my acceptance into the Hereditary Society of Teachers. Mary Jane dedicated her life to teaching third grade in the 20th century, humorously noting that she kept returning because she “never managed to pass it herself.” Her lighthearted approach to education turned what might have been a personal setback into a passionate commitment to helping countless students navigate their learning journeys.
Mary Jane’s dedication to education is emblematic of the values upheld by the Society–recognizing the importance of teachers in shaping the minds and futures of their students. Her long-standing contribution to education forms a significant part of our family legacy, and being able to honor her through this society is deeply meaningful.
Education runs deep in our family. I am honored to continue the legacy as a teacher myself. My mother, Mary Jane Cavender’s daughter, was also a teacher, as was my great-grandmother, Mina Hall (Mary Jane Cavender’s mother). My father taught in the evenings when I was a child. This deep-rooted commitment to education, passed down through multiple generations, is a testament to the belief in the transformative power of teaching.
The Hereditary Society of Teachers was founded with the intent to honor men and women who taught within the boundaries of what is now the United States, along with their descendants. The Society encourages genealogical and historical research, promotes camaraderie among members, and fosters the recognition of outstanding teachers.
The organization’s commitment is reflected in its bylaws, which articulate the Society’s purpose:
The object of this Society shall be to honor all men and women who taught in what is now considered the boundaries of the United States of America and those teachers’ descendants; to promote genealogical and historical research; encourage camaraderie among the members and those of like pursuit; and to encourage the recognition of outstanding teachers.
This mission is embodied in the Society’s motto, “How can I learn, lest someone should teach me.” (Acts 8:31)
Membership in the Hereditary Society of Teachers can be established through any ancestor who taught in the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, or 21st century within the United States. New members may join based on a lineal ancestor, while current teachers can submit supplemental applications to honor their own contributions to education.
My acceptance into the Hereditary Society of Teachers allows me to honor the legacy of Mary Jane Cavender, whose life exemplified dedication to teaching. It also honors the broader legacy of my family of educators, including my mother, great-grandmother, and father, each of whom made their own contributions to the field of education. Preserving these memories is a testament to the importance of recognizing those who have devoted themselves to shaping minds and fostering growth.
Additional memberships will be added as they are approved.