Chances are, you grew up watching the lovable characters of Sesame Street dance and sing across their way across your television screen - all while imparting valuable educational and moral lessons. I know I did. Another safe bet is that you also introduced this friendly and familiar group from the "Street", to your own children. I will be forever grateful for the lessons that we (my children and myself) have learned from Sesame Street.
Makers.com, an initiative by PBS and AOL, is recognizing the first woman who was essential in launching the
overall concept of educational television for children: Joan Ganz
Cooney – the co-creator of “Sesame Street.”
More than 40 years ago, Joan changed the way
children watched TV and has become a trailblazer in her own right after
realizing that children learn best when fantasy is mixed with reality.
As you undoubtedly know, “Sesame Street” has grown
to become a show that reaches young children across most demographic
groups with 90% of preschoolers watching the show before the age of six.
More About Makers.com and the Women who Make America Initiative
MAKERS: Women Who Make America
is an ongoing initiative that aims to be the largest and most dynamic
collection of women's stories ever assembled. Selections of MAKERS are
made twice a year by our filmmaking team using guidelines set by a board of advisors.This
process ensures that the make-up of the library of stories includes
women from all walks of life with diverse experiences and perspectives.
Women in the 'Groundbreakers' category were chosen by the
production team based on criteria defined by a team of advisors and
include women who are firsts in their fields, visionary role models or frontline activists who sparked, and some who opposed, change for women.
