EdTech is constantly evolving, shaped by visionaries whose ideas push boundaries and redefine possibilities. Many of the tools that power today’s schools—communication networks, interactive displays, AI-driven learning and collaborative applications—were developed by Black innovators whose contributions have reshaped science, mathematics and engineering. Their work continues to drive advancements in classroom technology today and into the future. Here are just a few examples.

Theoretical Physicist Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), breaking barriers in STEM fields. She later became the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she continues to advocate for education in science and technology.

Dr. Jackson’s contributions to telecommunications have had a lasting impact on how we connect, communicate and collaborate. As a theoretical physicist, she conducted research at AT&T Bell Laboratories, helping to develop innovations that ushered in things like fiber optic cables, caller ID, call waiting and touch-tone telephony—technologies that evolved to play a role in distance learning and virtual classrooms.

Scientist and Inventor George Carruthers

When George Carruthers was 10 years old, he built a telescope out of cardboard and lens components. That early passion for astronomy and innovation stayed with him and he later earned a Ph.D. in aeronautical and astronautical engineering and was instrumental in creating the Science and Engineers Apprentice Program, giving high school students hands-on experience in scientific research.

In 1972, Carruthers developed the first moon-based observatory, which was deployed during the Apollo 16 mission to help scientists examine Earth's atmosphere and deep space phenomena in ways never before possible. He also laid the groundwork for modern digital cameras and visualization tools that are now used in educational software to bring complex scientific concepts to life.

Mathematician Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson’s work at NASA was instrumental in some of the most historic space missions of all time. As a mathematician and aerospace technologist, she provided critical calculations for Project Mercury, Apollo 11 and the Space Shuttle program, improving safety and precision in spaceflight. Her calculations were so accurate that astronaut John Glenn personally asked her to check the numbers before his orbital mission in 1962. In 2015, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Johnson also made important contributions to data modeling, predictive analytics and computational problem-solving—all of which are central to today’s AI-driven education platforms and student performance metrics.

Inventor Granville T. Woods

Granville T. Woods was a prolific inventor whose groundbreaking work in electrical engineering and railway communication earned him widespread recognition. Despite frequent comparisons to Thomas Edison, Woods secured nearly 60 patents, many of which he successfully defended in court against Edison, who attempted to claim ownership of his work. Among those patents was the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph, which improved safety and efficiency in rail transportation by allowing moving trains to communicate with each other and with stations so accidents could more easily be prevented.

His contributions also laid the foundation for automation, synchronized communication and smart technology, which are integral to modern campus communication systems, emergency alert networks and synchronized learning environments.

Engineer and Inventor Marian Croak

Modern-day inventor Marian Croak holds more than 200 telecommunications patents. Her work, which has reshaped many advancements in the internet and online communication, earned her an induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2022.

As a pioneer of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, Croak developed systems that made it possible to transmit voice communication over the internet, a breakthrough that set the stage for virtual meetings, online learning and digital collaboration. Her work also opened up avenues for schools and workplaces to conduct remote learning, host virtual conferences and use interactive digital tools to engage from any location.

This Work Continues to Improve Education

The impact of these brilliant innovators continues to shape how we learn, teach and engage with technology. Walk into any classroom and you’ll see it.

• Katherine Johnson’s precision in mathematics lives on in AI-driven education tools that personalize learning and improve student outcomes.
• Jackson and Marian Croak’s innovations in digital communication make remote learning, video conferencing and global collaboration seamless.
• Granville T. Woods’ advances in automation and synchronized communication mirror today’s smart classrooms and emergency alert systems.
• George Carruthers’ imaging breakthroughs led to the development of visualization tools that make science more engaging and accessible.

As we honor Black History Month, we don’t just look back—we also look forward. Because the next generation of Black inventors, scientists and educators is already building upon this foundation—and their contributions will continue to advance classroom technology, empower students, expand access and redefine what’s truly possible in education.