Janet Nolan, Cofounder of Chicago’s First Dual Language School, Dies at 92
A Pioneering Educator and Advocate for Multilingualism
Janet Jean Marie Parmalee Nolan, a champion of bilingual education and cultural understanding, has passed away at the age of 92. A dedicated educator and community leader, Nolan co-founded the first dual language public school in Chicago, the Inter-American Magnet School, in 1975.
A Passion for Bilingual Education
Nolan’s vision for the school was to create a space where children from diverse linguistic backgrounds could learn and grow together. Alongside her partner, Adela Coronado-Greeley, she aimed to bridge the gap between cultures and languages, providing a voice for those who needed it most.
From Humble Beginnings to a Lasting Legacy
The school began as a small preschool in the old Bartelme School in Rogers Park, with Nolan as one of the two teachers. The program expanded gradually, adding a new grade each year, and eventually grew to include pre-K through eighth grade. Today, the school is housed at the former John V Le Moyne Public School building in Lake View.
A Life of Service and Activism
Nolan’s commitment to education and social justice extended far beyond the school. She taught at the University of Notre Dame, worked as an undercover nun, and even helped provide eyewitness testimony that led to the dismantling of Chicago’s Red Squad. Her research, spanning over 3,500 pages, is now housed at DePaul University.
A Multilingual Chicago
In 2005, Nolan helped establish Multilingual Chicago, an initiative to celebrate the city’s 100-plus languages. Two years later, the Chicago City Council passed the “Multilingual Chicago Resolution,” recognizing the city’s multilingualism.
A Legacy of Love and Activism
Nolan’s family remembers her as a brilliant woman with a passion for social justice and community building. Her daughters, Elena and Cristina, and 12 grandchildren were her greatest joys. A true champion of the underprivileged, Nolan never sought recognition, preferring to focus on the work itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the Inter-American Magnet School?
A: The Inter-American Magnet School was the first dual language public school in Chicago, founded in 1975 by Janet Nolan and Adela Coronado-Greeley.
Q: What was Multilingual Chicago?
A: Multilingual Chicago was an initiative launched by Janet Nolan to celebrate the city’s 100-plus languages, with the goal of promoting understanding and inclusivity.
Q: What was Janet Nolan’s legacy?
A: Nolan’s legacy is one of education, activism, and community building. She dedicated her life to promoting bilingualism, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Visitation and Funeral Information
Visitation will be held 3-8 p.m. Friday at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 4 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that visitors vote in the 2024 presidential election and send donations to CREER Comunidad y Familia.
