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.

Florida teacher Kelly Peterson succumbs to Covid-19

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We are sad to report that elementary school teacher Kelly Peterson of Winter Haven, Florida, succumbed to Covid-19 on August 23, 2021. She was unable to get vaccinated because she had leukemia, which caused a compromised immune system. Photo credit: World Socialist Web Site.

We are greatly saddened to report that yet another beloved educator has succumbed to Covid-19. Kelly Peterson, an elementary school teacher in Winter Haven, Florida, passed away on August 23, 2021. She was only 41 years old.

Because she had leukemia which caused a compromised immune system, Kelly was not able to be vaccinated. Nevertheless, the teacher had been diligent in taking precautions against COVID by wearing a mask, even though Florida Governor Ronald DeSantis issued a statewide order to ban mask mandates. She also washed her hands frequently and wiped down devices and equipment when her students left each day. “She did everything she could to try to stay away from COVID,” recalled colleague Lorinda Utter.

Kelly taught fifth grade math and science at Lake Shipp Elementary School in the Polk County Public School System. According to her sister, Christin Peterson, Kelly’s career as an educator spanned more than two decades, and during that time, she had been named Teacher of the Year more than once.

“She always had former students who would come visit and tell her how much she influenced them,” remembered Christin. “If there were problem children, typically they’d end up in her classroom because she was the one who was able to break through and get through to them in a way the kids would trust her,” Christin continued. “She had a natural teaching ability that so many of her peers were in awe of. She just had the ability to connect with the kids. They knew she really did care,” Christin concluded.

To read more about Kelly Peterson, see this article about her published in The Ledger.

Author Terry Lee Marzell published in Inlandia anthology

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Author Terry Lee Marzell shows her copy of the newly-published anthology 2020 Writing from Inlandia, which contains two nonfiction pieces she has written. Photo credit: Terry Marzell

Terry Lee Marzell, author of Chalkboard Champions and Chalkboard Heroes, announces that two of her short pieces have been included in an anthology published by The Inlandia Institute. The anthology, entitled 2020 Writing Writing from Inlandia, was just released on September 2, 2021.

The first piece, “Flash Flood Casualties,” describes a true event from Terry’s life, when she was caught in a flash flood while driving through the Southern California desert. The second piece, “The Beauty in a Hundred Mundane Moments,” also nonfiction, describes a typical day in the life of individuals taking part in a community service project. Terry is among some 65 contributors to the collection, which features poetry, nonfiction, and fiction selections. The volume can be purchased on amazon.

Inlandia is a regional literary nonprofit and publishing house. The mission of the organization is to recognize, support, and expand literary activity in all of its forms in the Inland Southern California. The group is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and in part by the California Arts Council. to learn more about the Inlandia Institute, you can visit the website at www.InlandiaInstitute.org.

Alexander Kerr Craig: Teacher, politician, Civil War vet, and

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Teacher, Civil War veteran, and member of the United States House of Representatives Alexander Kerr Craig. Photo credit: Public Domain.

Many times talented educators serve their country valiantly, and also distinguish themselves in the political arena. Such is the case with Alexander Kerr Craig, a teacher from Claysville, Pennsylvania, who also served his country as a Civil War veteran. He was also elected to the US House of Representatives.

Alexander Craig was born near Claysville, Buffalo Township in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on February 1, 1828. As a young boy, he attended local common schools and was educated by a private tutor. He was only 16 years old when he became a teacher in his community, conducting classes during the winter months. Later he worked as a principal in Claysville public schools. During these years, he also studied law and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

In February, 1865, after the Civil War broke out, Alexander enlisted on the Union side in the Eighty-Seventh Regiment, Company H, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in on March 13, 1865, and mustered out on June 29, 1865. After the completion of his military service, Alexander returned to his home town of Claysville, where he resumed his career as an educator by serving as a school director and the justice of the peace.

Many years later, Alexander was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent Pennsylvania in the 52nd United States Congress, where he served from February 26, 1892, until he passed away on July 29, 1892, at the age of 64. He is buried in Claysville Cemetery.

To read more about Alexander Kerr Craig, follow this link to the US House of Representatives.

Connecticut teacher Tammy Exum serves in her state’s House of Reps

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Elementary school teacher Tammy Exum of West Hartford, Connecticut, now serves in her state’s House of Representatives. Photo credit: Tammy Exum.

Many excellent classroom teachers go on to successful careers in politics. One of these is Connecticut elementary school teacher Tammy Exum, who now serves in her state’s House of Representatives.

After graduating from Fuquay-Varina High School in North Carolina, Tammy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. In 1999, she earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Atlanta University. After college, Tammy inaugurated her career as an elementary school teacher in West Hartford, Connecticut.

A lifelong champion of education, Tammy is a former elementary school teacher. She is also the former President and Executive Board Member of West Hartford Parent Teacher Association. In addition, she formerly served as Vice Chair of The West Hartford Board of Education.

In 2019, Tammy was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Connecticut House of Representatives. There she represents District 19, which includes West Hartford, Avon, and Farmington. She was chosen in a special election to fill the seat vacated by incumbent Derek Slap when he won election to the state Senate.

Since she has taken office, Tammy has been a member of the Committees for Commerce; Higher Education and Employment Advancement; Education; Administration and Elections; Environment; and Banking. As a member of the House, Tammy has introduced two bills that protect the rights of Connecticut residents who suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder. These bills have already passed Connecticut’s General Assembly House of Representatives.

Learn more about Tammy Exum by clicking on this link to Votesmart.com.

Teacher Helen Hulick fought against “anti-slackism”

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Teacher Helen Hulick, who pioneered new strategies for working with deaf students, fought the good fight against “anti-slackism” for women. Photo credit:  Los Angeles Times.

Often times plucky educators will take a stand on social issues that benefit everyone. One of these was Helen Hulick, who helped eliminate the threat of  “anti-slackism” for women. What is “anti-slackism,” you ask? Read on to find out.

Helen was called to court as a witness in a burglary case in November, 1938. The 29-year-old had earned some renown as an innovative educator who pioneered auditory-verbal approaches for working with deaf children. She arrived at court in her usual attire of a blouse and slacks. But seeing slacks on a woman offended Judge Arthur S. Guerin so greatly that he wouldn’t allow the teacher to testify. Instead, he rescheduled her testimony and ordered her to wear a dress at her next appearance. However, Helen refused to comply with the court order. “You tell the judge I will stand on my rights,” the teacher declared. “If he orders me to change into a dress I won’t do it. I like slacks. They’re comfortable.”
The second time she appeared at court wearing slacks, the judge criticized Helen, for both her wardrobe and her attitude. “The last time you were in this court dressed as you are now and reclining on your neck on the back of your chair, you drew more attention from spectators, prisoners and court attaches than the legal business at hand,” the judge complained. “You were requested to return in garb acceptable to courtroom procedure. Today you come back dressed in pants and openly defying the court (…) “The court hereby orders and directs you to return tomorrow in accepted dress. If you insist on wearing slacks again you will be prevented from testifying (…) But be prepared to be punished according to law for contempt of court,” the judge warned. Again, Helen refused. “Listen, I’ve worn slacks since I was 15. I don’t own a dress except a formal,” she said. “If he wants me to appear in a formal gown that’s okay with me. I’ll come back in slacks and if he puts me in jail I hope it will help to free women forever of anti-slackism,” she declared.
For a third time, Helen went to court wearing slacks, but this time, she also brought with her Attorney William Katz. The attorney was armed with citations supporting Helen’s argument that she had the right to appear in the attire of her choice. Nevertheless, Judge Guerin held her in contempt of court and sentenced her to five days in jail. There she was forced to wear the denim dress worn by women prisoners. When her attorney declared they would be appealing the sentence, Helen was released on her own recognizance. But by then, Helen’s story had generated a great deal of attention, and hundreds of supporters sent letters of protest to the courthouse. As a result of the appeal, the Appellate Division overturned Judge Guerin’s contempt citation.
As a teacher, Helen Hulick continued to do amazing work throughout her career. In 1985, she was given an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Lafayette College “for her work as teacher, scientist and pioneer in the field of auditory therapy.” In 1988, when she was 80, the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf awarded her the organization’s highest tribute, Honors of the Association. Helen not only made a difference in the lives of so many students, but also for helping to free women of “anti-slackism” along the way.
Many thanks to author Dr. Rebecca Haines for sharing the story of this amazing educator.