elynora martin (EM) foster

Elynora Martin Foster began teaching history in 1934 at Stephens-Lee High School where she earned respect as a rigorous educator who demanded the best from her students while modeling professionalism and self-confidence. After Stephens-Lee closed in 1965, she transferred to South French Broad High School and later to Asheville High School when it opened as an integrated school in 1969. Mrs. Foster retired in 1971 after at least 37 years in Asheville City Schools. Remembered by former students as “an elegant lady” and one of the finest teachers they ever had, Mrs. Foster carried herself with grace and left a lasting legacy of scholarship, dignity, and inspiration.

Content sourced from the Buncombe County Special Collections. Learn more at The Social Context of Teaching at Stephens-Lee High School.