Carolyn Compton
Sept. 14, 1935-May 15, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Dr. Carolyn Compton, a lifelong educator, passionate mentor, and pioneer in the field of learning disabilities, passed away on May 15, 2025. Her career was dedicated to teaching and advocacy, beginning with a B.A. from Oberlin College, an M.A. from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. She taught in public schools in Ohio and Germany, and held positions at San Francisco State University and the University of Alaska. From 1970 to 1997, she held various leadership roles at the Children’s Health Council, retiring as Associate Director.

In 1982, she co-founded the Morrissey Compton Educational Center with Pat Morrissey, offering diagnostic and therapeutic services for individuals with learning disabilities, and they also launched the Challenge School summer program. The center received the Outstanding Non-Profit Organization of the Year award in 2005. Dr. Compton also served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University Medical Center and co-authored academic works. Known for her intelligence, insight, and "unwavering compassion" for students with learning disorders, she proudly called herself a "teacher." Outside of her career, she enjoyed travel, particularly annual trips to Tuscany, which inspired her passion for cooking, art, and painting in her later years. She is survived by many long-term friends, including Pat Morrissey.

To read the full obituary, please click the link.give.classy.org/imateacher

Tags: teacher/educator, business, public service