"Begin with the Child"

Influenced by the whole-child pedagogies of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Progressive Movement, and the Education Department of the Catholic University of America, Sister Mary Marguerite McArdle, S. N. D., was an expert in teaching reading and in preparing primary teachers at Catholic University and Cleveland's St. John College. She founded Julie Billiart School in Cleveland for children with special learning needs, edited the MINE magazines, and wrote the primary-level readers in the Faith and Freedom series produced by Ginn Publishing and the Catholic University of America from 1942-1969. Her balanced and forward-looking approach to life and teaching made her an influential figure in 20th century Catholic education.