An immigrant from Russia, Annie Fisher spent her adult life teaching in Hartford, CT. After attending Wesleyan University through a scholarship in the newly established co-education program, Annie began teaching full time at Barnard School. She was hired because of her ability to communicate with immigrant students who spoke Russian.

Realizing the diverse needs of students in her charge, Annie developed and employed methods of individuated evaluation and instruction that allowed her to help her students be successful in the classroom. She wrote two books on English instruction for immigrant students.

Although she faced prejudice from the community and colleagues because she was a woman and a Jew, Annie served as both the first female superintendent and as the first female principal in the city of Hartford. In addition, Annie worked as an advocate for female teachers, and for all teachers, to increase salaries and pensions. Annie retired in 1945 and is remembered as a dedicated educator. The Annie Fisher Magnet School is named in her honor.

Photograph of Annie Fisher, c. 1900 courtesy of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford. http://www.jhsgh.org/