Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell
During summer vacation, read stories about great educators
Author Terry Lee Marzell with her book, Chalkboard Heroes. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell
I love to tell stories about outstanding teachers. There are so many phenomenal stories that could be told! I believe that teachers represent the best our country has to offer, and, as a group, they are among the most dedicated, hardworking, and talented people anyone can know.
During this summer vacation, you may be interested in reading stories about some of these wonderful teachers. I have included 12 of them in my second book, Chalkboard Heroes: Twelve Courageous Teachers and their Deeds Valor. The educators included in this volume were not only talented teachers, but they were also pioneers, trailblazers, and social reformers influential in America’s history.
It fills me with joy to be able to share the stories of just a few of the amazing individuals who have made such significant contributions to the lives of so many. And it fills me with pride to know that, every day, talented educators all over the country are making significant contributions to the lives of their students.
You can order Chalkboard Heroes from amazon in print or digital formats now. Simply click on this link be taken to the page where you can order. Enjoy!
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Michele Page earns Wichita’s Distinguished Classroom Teacher award
Elementary teacher Michele Page is one of eight teachers who have earned a Distinguished Classroom Teacher award by the Wichita Public School District. Photo credit: Wichita Public Schools
It is always a pleasure for me to share the story of an exceptional teacher who has earned recognition for her work with young people. Today, I share the story of Michele Page, an elementary school teacher from Wichita, Kansas. She has been named one of eight educators to receive a Distinguished Classroom Teacher award by the Wichita Public School District.
Currently Michele teaches fourth graders at Ernest O. Lawrence Elementary School, but her career as a professional educator spans 20 years. She decided to become a teacher when she was in college, she says. That’s when her mother encouraged her to volunteer in a local elementary school. Once she saw how teachers help their students grow, both personally and academically, she knew she had found her calling.
Michele strives to recognize the individual needs of each of her students, and to understand each one’s unique abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. She designs her curriculum to reflect this, she declares.
Every month, Michele leads her students in organizing a community service project. Examples are collecting blankets for the local Humane Society, another month they may make cards to send to US veterans, and another month they may create treat bags for children at the Wichita Children’s Home. “That’s how they learn they are part of a larger community,” Michele explains.
Teachers who were selected for the honor were nominated by a parent, building administrator, or colleague. Final selections were chosen by a committee comprised of principals, assistant principals, teachers, support staff, the assistant superintendents of elementary and secondary schools, and a member of United Teachers of Wichita. This year, there were more than 250 nominees.
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Jordan Harris: Teacher and member of PA House of Reps
Former languages teacher Jordan Harris now serves in the Philadelphia State House of Representatives. Photo credit: Pennsylvania State House of Representatives
Often accomplished classroom teachers make successful politicians. One of these is Jordan A. Harris, a Philadelphia school teacher who currently serves in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives.
Jordan graduation from Philadelphia’s John Bartram Motivation High School in 2002. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Governmental and Political Affairs from Millersville University in Millersville, Pennsylvania, in 2006. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Cabrini College in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, in 2008. He has also done work towards his PhD in Educational Leadership at Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania.
Jordan taught school for several years in the Philadelphia Public Schools. He was employed as a languages teacher at Union Area High School located in New Castle, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. While there, he was instrumental in designing Slam Dunk, a summer program that assisted over 600 high school students to meet credit requirements for graduation.
In 2013, Jordan was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represents the 186th District. For the 2017-2018 legislative session, he was elected to the Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. He is also part of the Career & Technical Education Caucus, the Community College Caucus, and the Early Childhood Education Caucus. elected, Majority Whip (January 3, 2023-February 28, 2023); elected, Majority In 2023, Jordan was elected the Majority Whip, and he has also served as the Appropriations Chair since 2023. In addition, he is a member of the Council of Trustees for Millersville University.
In his effort to serve young people, Jordan has worked as the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Commission, where he used his influence to improve conditions for the city’s youth and young adults. In this office, Jordan was able to extend the hours of the city’s recreation centers and create alternative activities. In addition, Jordan has served as the President of the Board of Directors at Lincoln Day Educational Center, the oldest continuously operating African American Day School in the country. And he has served as a Member of the Board of the Hardy Williams Education Fund and the Christian Street YMCA.
For his efforts, the former classroom teacher has won many accolades. In 2017, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine. He was also honored with Odunde 365’s 2017 Community Service Award for Positively Impacting Lives.
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Educator Mary Lou Godbold was also a successful politician
Elementary school teacher Mary Lou Godbold served in the Mississippi State Senate during the late 1950’s. Photo credit: Find a Grave
Many outstanding classroom teachers have also had successful careers as politicians. One of these is Mary Lou Godbold, an elementary school teacher from Mississippi who also served in her state’s Senate.
Mary Lou was born on Oct. 15, 1912, in Pike County, Mississippi. As a young woman, she first attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College. Later she transferred to Mississippi College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree with Distinction in 1934. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Mississippi. Once she earned her degrees, Mary Lou became an elementary school teacher in the Mississippi town of Oxford.
In 1930, Mary Lou married Tillman Godbold, a teacher from Lincoln County. In 1955, Tillman was elected on the Democratic ticket to serve in the Mississippi State Senate. Sadly, on April, 1957, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away a few hours later. Mary Lou ran unopposed as his replacement in a special election to fill the seat. She won, and served in the State Senate until 1960. When she was sworn in, she became the third female state senator in her state’s history. She also served as the President of the Department of Classroom Teachers at the Mississippi Education Association. She served in this role from 1957—1958.
Once she left office, she became a member of the faculty the University of Mississippi, where she taught courses in education for 20 years before retiring. She also served as the President of the Mississippi Education Association between the years of 1962—1963. In addition, she served a term as President of the Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), and another term as the state President of Delta Kappa Gamma. DKG is a professional organization that promotes the advancement of women educators in administrative positions.
After a long life spanning 95 years, Mary Lou passed away from natural causes on April 18, 2008. She is interred in Oxford Memorial Cemetery in Oxford, Mississippi.
