In this overview of precedents set in the informal and formal education of women of the 19th century, a revisionist approach to the history of education is outlined. Such an approach focuses not only on the elite women's struggles for education, but also on the education of women of color, different classes, and various ethnic backgrounds. Popular 19th century women's literature by authors such as Linda Kerber, Reverend William Alcott, Sara Hale, Lydia Maria Child, Lydia Sigourney, and Catherine Sedgwick is recommended as a valuable source of information about 19th century social prescriptions and women's role in education. In addition to these resources, the author recommends an investigation of the works of educational theorists, Emma Willard, Catherine Beecher, and Mary Lyon. The importance of the teaching profession on women's historical development is emphasized, and is followed by a discussion about ways in which popular education and female consciousness mesh with the formal and informal education of black women. In addition to using popular 19th century literature and educational theory to teach about interrelationships among race, class, gender, and education, the author recommends the use of more recent novels by authors such as Agnes Smedley and Anzia Yezierska. (LH)