Gerald Firth was an outstanding educator who contributed greatly to the profession in the United States and abroad. Prior to joining the faculty of UGA he was Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and Full Professor at the University of Alabama. During his 27 years at the University of Georgia, Gerald served as Interim Dean of the College of Education, Interim Director of the Division of Academic Assistance and Chairman of the Department of Curriculum and Supervision.
He co-edited and authored textbooks and articles in his fields of instructional supervision, curriculum development and educational leadership. The Handbook of Research on School Supervision, which he co-authored with Ed Pajak was received with acclaim. Gerald Firth took great pleasure in the over one hundred doctoral students who pursued leadership positions in public schools, higher education and ministries of education in Australia, Thailand, Egypt and Zimbabwe. He enjoyed serving as a consultant to schools in Mexico, Columbia, Ecuador, Panama, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
From 1989-91 Gerald Firth became Chief of Party for the Egypt National Curriculum Project in Cairo to convert the Ministry of Education from the established British model to the emerging American model. He lived in Cairo with his wife Doris by his side for many months. Gerald was well received and respected by the Egyptian community. Doris had a more difficult time adjusting to a culture that placed restrictions on women.
But she stayed the course and contributed to the success of the project.
Gerald Firth was an active member and leader of both the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the Council of Professors of Instructional Supervision (COPIS). He actively contributed to both organizations and was involved in writing and promoting a number of publications as well. Gerald Firth served as president of both ASCD and COPIS
Our paths crossed in several ways, Although I was a long-standing member of ASCD, I was not a member of COPIS. When I left public education and took a position with Hunter College CUNYI asked Gerald to sponsor my membership application to COPIS, which he did enthusiastically. Gerald and I both served on the executive board of ASCD and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work with him.
Written by Marcia Knoll in memory of Gerald Firth (November, 2023).