Emma Willard had an important impact on teaching social studies and on the education of women in general in the 19th century through her efforts in training teachers and through her writing. Willard's writing included both textbooks and books on educational philosophy. She began teaching at age 17 in a village school. After further education, she began to campaign for a female seminary to train teachers. In 1821, the first such school in the United States opened as the Troy Female Seminary. Her educational philosophy stressed the importance of adjusting the material covered to the age of the child and developing reasoning rather than rote memorization. Her textbooks on geography and history were widely used and reflected the prejudices of her day. She was a crucial figure in extending education to women; however, she did not consider herself a feminist. (IS)