Author Archives: Terry Lee Marzell
Carter Godwin Woodson: The teacher who established Black History Month
Carter Godwin Woodson was an American school teacher who created Black History Month, an annual celebration of the many outstanding contributions African Americans have made to our country. Photo credit: Public Domain
This February, socially conscious teachers all over the United States are launching their classes into Black History Month, an annual celebration of the many outstanding contributions African Americans have made to our country. But did you know that Black History Month, itself, was the brainchild of a brilliant American teacher?
Educator Carter Godwin Woodson is credited with organizing and advocating annual Black History Month celebrations in American schools. He is also recognized as the first African American born of enslaved parents to earn a PhD in History. Admittedly, these are noteworthy accomplishments. But there is so much more to this brilliant man’s life story than is usually publicized.
Did you know that, as a youngster, Carter was forced to work on the family farm rather than attend school? Nevertheless, he taught himself to read using the Bible and local newspapers. He didn’t finish high school until he was 20 years old. Did you know that Carter once worked as a coal miner in Fayette County, West Virginia, and then later went back there to teach school to the children of Black coal miners, serving as a model for using education to get out of the mines? Did you know that Carter taught school in the Philippines, and then became the supervisor of schools, which included duties as a trainer of teachers, there? And did you know that he was one of the first to study African American history, to collect data, oral histories, and documents, and to publish his findings in a scholarly magazine he published, The Journal of Negro History?
To read more about this fascinating historical figure, check out my book, Chalkboard Champions.
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FL science teacher Lindsey Laurino garners recognition
Science educator Lindsey Laurino of Port St. Lucie in Florida has earned recognition from her district and from the state Department of Education for her outstanding work in the classroom. Photo credit; St. Lucie Education Foundation, Inc.
I always enjoy sharing news that an excellent educator has earned recognition for their work in the classroom. Here is an outstanding educator who teaches in Florida: Lindsey Laurino of the St, Lucie Public Schools District located in Port St. Lucie, Florida. She has garnered the 2024 Ron Nieto Digital Educator Award from the Florida State Department of Education. The Ron Nieto Digital Educator award recognizes extraordinary educators who use digital components to enhance student achievement in the classroom.
In addition to this honor, Lindsey has been named the 2025 District Teacher of the Year for St. Lucie County. With these awards comes an additional title: She has been named an honorary member of the Education Foundation Board of Directors
Lindsey teaches courses in Gifted Science to middle school students in grades six through eight at St. Lucie West K-8 school. She also serves her school as the STEM Fair co-ordinator. (STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.) Among her colleagues, Lindsey has a reputation for excelling in using technology in the classroom to positively impact her students’ outcomes.
When asked about her teaching philosophy, Lindsey responded, “Never forget your love for learning, and always show your students the beauty of education.”
Lindsey’s educational journey began at Indian River State College, and continued at Auburn University and Florida Atlantic University.
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NYC Fantina Cruz Roll has been honored with 2024 Big Apple Award
Spanish language teacher Fantina Cruz Roll has earned a 2024 Big Apple Award from the New York City Public Schools. Photo credit: Fantina Roll
New York Spanish language teacher Fantina Cruz Roll has been honored with a 2024 Big Apple Award from the New York City Public Schools. The Big Apple Awards is an annual program that recognizes and celebrates New York City teachers who inspire students, model great teaching, and enrich their school communities.
Fantina teaches Spanish-language courses at Albert Shanker School for Visual Arts in Queens. Her journey as a professional educator began when she was hired as a paraprofessional in District 75. She worked in that position for three years, gaining valuable experience working with students with diverse learning needs. Later she enrolled at Hunter College, taking courses until she earned her Master’s degree in Education. Then she inaugurated her career as a Spanish language teacher, a career that has spanned 18 years.
In 2010, Fantina inaugurated the Multicultural Festival at her school. Today, this event has evolved into the most significant cultural event within her school community and in District 30. The festival underscores her commitment to creating inclusive environments where every culture is valued and respected.
As the Multicultural and Wellness Committee Coordinator on her campus, Fantina prioritizes building strong connections with families, the community, and the school. These roles have allowed her to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment that promotes wellness and celebrates diversity. Her vision as an educator is to prepare students for life by helping them embrace their strengths and work on their weaknesses with a positive mindset. Furthermore, to foster leadership skills, Fantina provides opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning, create lessons, and teach one another.
Congratulations, Fantina!
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Elem teacher Mabel Desmond served four terms in Maine’s House of Reps
Elementary school teacher Mabel Desmond of Maine served four terms in her state’s House of Representatives. Photo credit: Bangor Daily News
Many exemplary educators have also served our country in political offices. 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 Lower Southampton, New Brunswick, Canada. 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 from 1949 to 1994 in public elementary schools in Bridgewayter, Presque Isle, Mapleton, and Ashland. In addition, from 1991 to 1994 she served as an adjunct professor at her university alma mater.
During her long and distinguished career, Mabel earned many honors. For example, in 2001, she received the State Leader in Education Award and Legislator of the Year Award. She also garnered the Alpha Psi State Achievement Award. In addition, she was 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. She was also a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG), an organization that promotes leadership opportunities and professional development for women educators.
Mabel’s entry into politics occurred when she 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, where she served from 2007 to 2010, and she served as the Chair for the Maine Education Research Institute.
While working on the Education Committee, then Governor King’s Maine Learning Initiative (popularly known as the Laptop Project) was voted “Ought not to pass,” and it wouldn’t have passed, except for one lone dissenting vote cast by Mabel. Because of her vote, the initiative ultimately was adopted, and a laptop was made available to every seventh and eighth-grade student in the state of Maine so they could use it during their school years.
Sadly, Mabel passed away on March 2, 2023, in Mapleton, Maine. She was 94 years old.
