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The Impact of Female Teachers on Female Students’ Lifetime Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • David Card
  • Ciprian Domnisoru
  • Seth Sanders
  • Lowell Taylor
  • Victoria Udalova

Abstract

We document an enduring influence of female primary school teachers on their female students in rural America circa 1940. Using historical US Census data linked to IRS records, later censuses, and death records, we find that exposure to female teachers significantly improved girls’ educational attainment—particularly among those with poorly-educated parents and in areas with limited labor market opportunities for women. These educational gains translated into delayed marriage and childbearing, marriage matches to better-educated husbands and higher household income. We also find that exposure to female teachers increased longevity of women relative to men.

Suggested Citation

  • David Card & Ciprian Domnisoru & Seth Sanders & Lowell Taylor & Victoria Udalova, 2026. "The Impact of Female Teachers on Female Students’ Lifetime Well-Being," Working Papers 26-39, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    • Handle: RePEc:cen:wpaper:26-39
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    File URL: https://www2.census.gov/library/working-papers/2026/adrm/ces/CES-WP-26-39.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2026
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