Cordis, Leora L. (1929-2000)

LeOra L. Cordis, born in 1929 in Thedford, Nebraska, received a Bachelor of Education degree from Chadron State College in 1964, followed by Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Oregon in 1972. She accepted a position in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina in 1972, continuing until 1994. As a professor of early childhood education in the 1970s, Cordis held key roles as a researcher and in-service consultant during the implementation of kindergarten programs throughout the province. Later, in 1977, she designed the Daycare Staff Development Program for the Saskatchewan Community College. While serving as director of the Children's Centre from 1981 to 1987 in the Faculty of Education, Cordis developed the Teacher Development Program for in-service teachers and the Aide Training Program preparing people to work as classroom assistants. Upon her retirement, she initiated the LeOra Cordis Elementary Education Fund to help sustain a commitment to equity and social justice issues in teacher education. Recognizing her contributions to the well-being of young children, the Canadian Association of Young Children presented the Friends of Children Award to LeOra Cordis in 1995. She died in 2000.

Caroline D. Krentz