Originally a native of Ontario, Mollie Cottingham grew up in Vancouver, received her B.A. from the University of British Columbia in 1927 and, in the following year, embarked on her teaching career in the secondary schools of the province. She began teaching at Fernie in 1928 and then moved to Powell River (1935), Trail (1938) and Nelson (1940) before returning to Vancouver in 1943 to teach at Prince of Wales and John Oliver Schools. Cottingham had a keen interest in history and while in Nelson she conducted research which was later used to prepare her M.A. thesis about the West Kootenays (1947). Throughout her career, Cottingham participated in organizational affairs and, in recognition of her service and talent, she became the first woman to hold the office of president of the B.C. Teacher's Federation (1957-1958). After completing her presidential term, she joined UBC's new Faculty and College of Education where she remained until her retirement in 1971. In 1967, Cottingham was awarded the Fergusson Memorial Award as the outstanding educator of the year in the province.
From the description of Mollie Cottingham fonds. 1924-1977. (University of British Columbia Library). WorldCat record id: 606456072
