Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell
Public school teacher and politician Mabel Desmond
Public school teacher and politician Mabel Desmond
Many talented educators have also served our country in the political arena. One of these is Mabel Desmond, a teacher who served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives.
Mabel was born on January 30, 1929, in Southampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. After her high school graduation, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1964 from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and her Master’s degree in Education in 1975 from the University of Maine at Orono. She then taught public school from 1949 to 1994. In addition, from 1991 to 1994 she served as an adjunct professor at her university alma mater.
While teaching, Mabel became a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an organization that promotes leadership opportunities for women educators. She was also a member of the Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Chemical Abuse, and she served as the secretary and past president of the University of Maine-Presque isle Alumni Association.
Mabel was elected to the Maine House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket in 1994. She represented District 146 for four terms, until 2002. While in the legislature, the former teacher served on the committees for education and cultural affairs. She was also appointed by Maine’s Governor John Baldacci to the Maine State Board of Education, and she served as the Chair for the Maine Education Research Institute.
At age 90, Mabel is still going strong, and lives in the little town of Mapleton, Aroostook County, Maine.
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New Jersey PE teacher and baseball coach Frank Eufemia is a former MLB player
Physical education teacher and baseball coach, and former MLB baseball player Frank Eufemia
Major League Baseball is celebrating the opening of another season, so it’s fitting and proper to share the story of a hardworking teacher and coach who used to be a professional baseball player: Frank Eufemia.
Frank was born in December 3, 1959, in the Bronx, New York, and was raised in Bergenfield, New Jersey. As a member of his high school baseball team, the All-County senior was recruited as an outfielder, but before long he was shifted to the position of pitcher. In 1982, his final season, he was named a 1st team Division III All-American.
In 1985, the 5’11”, 185 pound player was drafted as a relief pitcher for the Minnesota Twins during. He played 39 games, finishing the season with a record of four wins, two losses, an earned run average of 3.79, and 30 strike-outs.
This chalkboard athlete currently teaches physical education and health and coaches baseball at Pascack Hills High School, a public institution located in Montvale, Bergen County, New Jersey.
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Podcast: Terry Lee Marzell describes the contents of her book Chalkboard Champions
Here is a two-minute podcast I created a while back to share information about my first book, Chalkboard Champions. Hope you enjoy it!
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Major League Baseball player James Brideweser also taught high school math
Math teacher and Major League Baseball player James Brideweser
Many successful athletes also become successful educators. One of these is James Brideweser, a Major League Baseball player who went on to teach high school mathematics in California.
James was born on February 13, 1927, in Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio. After his graduation from Washington High School in Los Angeles, he served his county in the military during World War II. He then earned his degree from the University of Southern California.
The 6-foot, 165-pound shortstop and second baseman inaugurated his MLB career with the New York Yankees, for whom he played three years. In 1954 he played for the Baltimore Orioles, and then he was traded to the Chicago White Sox, for whom he played in 1955-1956. The last team he played for was the Detroit Tigers. In all, James’ career panned the years 1951 to 1957.
Once he completed his career in baseball, James earned his teaching credentials. He secured a job as a mathematics teacher and Title IX counselor at Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, California. He also served as the coach of their varsity baseball team, which logged two championship seasons under his leadership.
James passed away on August 25, 1989, in El Toro, Orange County, California. He was 62 years old.
