Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell

About Terry Lee Marzell

Terry Lee Marzell holds a bachelor's degree in English from Cal State Fullerton and a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Cal State San Bernardino. She also holds a certificate for Interior Design Level 1 from Mt. San Antonio College. She has been an educator in the Corona Norco Unified School District for more than 30 years.

Elem school teacher Julie Fry of Washington garners prestigious PAEMST award

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Elementary school teacher Julie Fry of Washington state has garnered a prestigious PAEMST award. Photo Credit: Yakima Herald Republic

It is always a pleasure to share stories about exceptional educators who have garnered honors for their work. One of these is Julie Fry, an elementary school teacher from Washington state who has garnered a prestigious PAEMST award.

The PAEMST, Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, recognize the dedication, hard work, and importance that America’s teachers play in supporting learners who will become future STEM professionals, including computer technologists, climate scientists, mathematicians, innovators, space explorers, and engineers. The PAEMST program, founded in 1983, is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The honor comes with a $10,000 cash prize.

Julie teaches first grade at Roosevelt Elementary School in Yakima, Washington. In all, her career there has spanned 26 years. In fact, she was raised in Yakima and attended the school when she was a child.

The honored educator has a deep passion for hands-on science instruction in the primary classroom. Her curriculum emphasizes guiding students to ask questions about phenomena they observe in their environment, and she organizes hands-on activities to help them build knowledge. Julie says she wants her students to never be afraid to ask questions, even if their initial thoughts on a subject turn out to be wrong. In her classroom, she declares, the motto is “no blame, no shame,” when it comes to learning.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Julie serves as a consultant for primary science professional development sessions, participated in state leadership groups such as Leadership Alliance for Science and Education Reform, and serves as a trainer for teachers in the region in developing first grade science curriculum.

Julie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and her Master’s degree in Reading from Central Washington University. She is certified as a K-12 reading specialist; is National Board Certified; and was a PAEMST State Finalist in 2016 and 2018. In 2020, she won the local Crystal Apple educational award.

Former LA teacher Dustin LaFont established, directs work force development program

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Former Louisiana History teacher Dustin LaFont established and directs Front Yard Bikes, a work force development program for young people. Photo Credit: Neighborhood Works America

Recently I stumbled across a story on CNN about a former Louisiana history teacher named Dustin LaFont. He established and directs Front Yard Bikes, a work force development program for young people in Baton Rouge.

Dustin, a participant in the nation’s AmeriCorp program, earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and his Master’s degree in Teaching, both from Louisiana State University. After earning his degrees, he taught sixth grade history and also served as a tutor with City Year Baton Rouge. As a public school teacher in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, Dustin witnessed first-hand how desperately the young people in his classroom needed a safe after-school space. And he knew from personal experience how crucial early support and intervention is. Through helping kids fix and build bicycles, Dustin saw all the opportunities to help meet those needs. That’s what led him to change the direction of his career.

The former teacher’s work with kids and bicycles was launched when a friend asked him to help a youngster fix his broken bicycle. The boy carried his badly damaged bike over to Dustin’s house. Dustin took one look at the bike, and said the thing was beyond hope. But he had another old bike which the two could work on together, right there in the front yard. Before long, kids were coming in droves to Dustin’s front yard, all seeking help to repair their bikes. The ultimate result was the nonprofit program Front Yard Bikes. After relocating to a run-down, abandoned, low-rent factory building, the youngsters quickly showed up, asking for help with building their own bicycles. Through the process, they learn real-world skills such as mechanics, welding, and cycling safety. And they also receive mentoring, academic support, and job training opportunities.

Dustin’s work with young people has earned him national attention. In addition to the CNN story, he was a featured TEDxLSU speaker, awarded the Blue Cross Blue Shield Angel Award, earned the Baton Rouge Business Reports 40 under 40, and received the Dorothy Richardson Award in Chicago.

Kudos, Dustin!

New York STEM teacher Kimberly Lau garners 2022 Sloan Award

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New York City teacher Kimberly Lau has garnered a 2022 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science & Math. Photo credit: The Midwood Argus

I always enjoy sharing stories about excellent educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Kimberly Lau, a STEM teacher from New York. She has been named a recipient of the 2022 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science & Math.

The Sloan Awards recognize the exceptional work of educators in New York City public high schools. The awards cast a spotlight on educators who achieve superb results while inspiring youth to excel in science and mathematics and pursue careers in related fields. Kimberly is one of seven New York educators who have been honored this year.

Kimberly teaches Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Ocean Science, and Culinary Science courses at Midwood High School. Midwood is a public high school located on the campus of Brooklyn College. The school partners with the college to offer courses in Advanced Placement in three main programs: Medical Science, Humanities, and Liberal Arts.

It just so happens that Midwood is Kimberly’s high school alma mater. After seeing the dedication of her teachers when she was in school, she knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps. After her graduation from college, she substituted at Midwood, and in 2013 she was offered a permanent position teaching chemistry.

Kimberly is well-liked and highly-respected among her students. “I learned a great deal about science in the classes I took with Ms. Lau,” expresses former Midwood student Alyssa Kattan. “But she also taught me so much more, including how to aim high.” Student Faith Matthew agrees. “When we make a mistake, Mrs. Lau doesn’t correct us in a way that’s discouraging,” Faith declares. “She does it in a way that makes us want to do better next time. So every time I’m in one of her classes, I always see a linear increase of how well I do because she makes me want to try harder,” Faith continues.

In addition to her selection for a Sloan Award, Kimberly also garnered the Sidney Millman Award in 2021. Since 2017, she has also served as a Master Teacher for Math for America.

 

Erin Oban, a former ND math teacher, appointed her state’s Director for Rural Development

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Former North Dakota math teacher Erin Oban now serves as the State Director for her state’s office of USDA Rural Development after previously serving in the ND State Seante. Photo Credit: US Dept. of Agriculture

Many gifted classroom teachers also make excellent lawmakers. One example of this is Erin Oban, a former junior high school math teacher who has been appointed the State Director for the office of USDA Rural Development. Previously, she served in the North Dakota State Senate.

Erin was born July 25, 1982, in Ray, North Dakota. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education at the University of Mary. After her college graduation, she accepted a position as a mathematics and technology teacher at Cathedral School in Bismarck, North Dakota. There she had a reputation among her 7th and 8th grade students for being genuine, hardworking, and kind. “I think one of her most admirable qualities is her authentic support. I never felt uncomfortable asking a question or embarrassed to speak up, because she always made me feel like my contribution to the class was important and appreciated,” remembered former student Danielle Finn. “Most importantly, (Mrs.) Oban took the time to listen to me whenever I wanted to be heard. She would come early to answer questions and stay late for those who needed help. She truly wanted all of her students to succeed, not just at school, but also in life,” Danielle concluded.

In 2014, Erin was elected to the North Dakota State Senate on the Democratic ticket to represent the 35th District. She served there from Dec. 1, 2014, to March 27, 2022. While in the Senate, her interest in matters relating to education did not decrease. The former classroom teacher served on the Education Committee, the Agriculture Committee, the Judicial Committee, and the Committee for Employee Benefits Programs. She also served as the Chairman of the Education Policy Committee and, from 2021 to 2022, as the Assistant Minority Leader and a member of the Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Education Coordination Council. In addition to her legislative role, Erin worked as the Executive Director of Tobacco Free North Dakota, a nonprofit organization. She helped pass a bill banning e-cigarette sales to minors.

Erin resigned from the North Dakota State Senate when President Joe Biden appointed her State Director for her state’s office of USDA Rural Development. Her employment there began March 28, 2022. There she will oversee operations that support economic development and that offers programs, loans, grants, and technical assistance for rural residents, communities, and organizations.