Category Archives: Education

CT teacher Lori Durocher earns prestigious PAEMST honors

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Kindergarten teacher Lori Durocher from West Hartford, Connecticut, has earned a prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Photo Credit: we-ha.com

Many excellent classroom teachers are working diligently to train students in skills they will need to succeed in the 21st century. One of these is Lori Durocher, an elementary school teacher from West Hartford, Connecticut. She is so good at her job that she earned a prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Lori has spent the last 26 years teaching in a full-inclusion kindergarten program at Norfeldt Elementary School in West Hartford. Before joining the staff at Norfeldt, she taught for five years at Bethany Community School in Bethany, Connecticut. In all, her career as an educator has spanned 31 years.

In the classroom, Lori works to incorporate science and engineering applications into all areas of the curriculum. In this way, students see themselves as scientists and engineers, not only during “science time,” but also throughout the entire instructional day. She specializes in developing innovative science adventures that appeal to young children and opportunities through which students work collaboratively to theorize, construct, and test hypotheses. In addition to her classroom instruction, Lori is an active member of the Faculty Advisory Committee and the Technology Committee. She also presents at early childhood education forums and mentors early childhood student teachers.

For her work as an educator, Lori has garnered West Hartford Foundation Grant Awards, not just once, but six times. Four of those occasions she received the award for science. She also serves her district as a Seesaw ambassador, and as an ambassador for Go Noodle. Twice she has been named a finalist for West Hartford Teacher of the Year, in 2004 and again in 2021.

Lori earned her Bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology in 1990, and her Master’s degree, magna cum laude, in Early Childhood Education in 1994, both from Southern Connecticut State University.

Texas teacher Leora Uribe garners Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award

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Texas teacher Leora Uribe of San Antonio garnered an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award in 2021. She is pictured here with one of her students. Photo Credit: Humanities Texas

I always enjoy sharing stories about exceptional educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Leora Uribe, a Social Studies teacher from San Antonio, Texas. She garnered an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award in 2021.

Leora teaches sixth grade at Harlandale Middle School in San Antonio. In the eight years she has taught there, she has instructed courses in US History and Contemporary World Cultures.

Leora obviously shares a passion for her subject. “Social studies examine life and culture—the beauty, passion, and struggle that make us who we are and form the core of our communities,” she declares. “As a teacher of contemporary world cultures, I approach the curriculum with two primary goals for my students: connection and engagement.”

In addition to her work in the classroom, Leora serves her school as the campus coordinator and coach for the University Interscholastic League A+ Academics teams. Also, she is the founder and sponsor of the school’s PEACE Club (Positive Experiences in Art, Culture, and Environment).

This exceptional educator is well-respected on her campus. “Leora is a leader on our campus and in the world of humanities,” declares Harlandale Social Studies Department Chair Kellie George. “We are all truly richer in culture for knowing her.”

The Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award recognizes exemplary K-12 humanities teachers throughout the state of Texas. Each year, 12 teachers are selected to receive a $5,000 cash award and an additional $1,000 for their respective schools to purchase humanities-based instructional materials.

OK Social Studies teacher Kimberly Ann Henry also served as her state’s First Lady

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Former Social Studies teacher Kimberly Ann Henry served her state as the First Lady of Oklahoma from 2003 to 2011. Photo Credit: Norman Rotary Club

Many dedicated educators also make their mark in the political arena. One off these is Kimberly Ann Henry, a high school history teacher who formerly served as the First Lady of Oklahoma from 2003 to 2011.

Kimberly was born in Norman, Oklahoma. As a young girl, she attended Shawnee High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma. After her high school graduation, she attended the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in 1986.

Kimberly began her ten-year career as a classroom teacher by joining the staff of her alma mater, Shawnee High School, in 1993. There she taught economics, US Government, Advanced Placement American History, and Oklahoma History. Her talents as an outstanding educator were rewarded when, in 1999-2000, she was one of only five educators across America to receive the Close-Up Foundation’s Linda Myers Chozen Award for Teaching Excellence in Civic Education. In addition to her work as a classroom teacher, Kimberly has been a strong advocate on behalf of troubled youth through her support of the Thunderbird Youth Academy.

When her husband, Brad Henry, was elected Governor of Oklahoma in 2003,  Kimberly became the First Lady of Oklahoma. She served in this capacity from 2003 to 2011. While First Lady, Kimberly fought to make education a priority in Oklahoma, and has been particularly instrumental in pushing for increased early childhood educational opportunities in the state.  More recently, Kimberly launched the MyTakeOnHealth Video Challenge, a program which gave young people and students an opportunity to make video spots about health topics. For many years she was actively involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Kimberly also served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum.  She also previously served on the Board of Directors for Science Museum Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Also, Kimberly served as the Executive Director of the Sarkeys Foundation, a private, charitable foundation dedicated to providing support through gifts and grants to Oklahoma’s non-profit organizations.

For her work as an educator and as a politician, Kimberly has earned. many accolades. She was honored with the Bill Lowry Library Champion Award for her work in literacy in 2004. The same year by she was named one of the The Journal Record’s 50 Most Distinguished Women. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the people of her state, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2010, she was named the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award at the second annual Women’s Leadership Conference for Women in Public Service. The same year, she was honored by Oklahoma State University College of Education with their prestigious Vision Award.

To read more about Kimberly Ann Henry, see this article published by 405 Magazine.

Former teacher, trailblazer Teola Hunter served in Michigan House of Reps

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Former teacher and trailblazer Teola Hunter served her community in a variety of roles, including 11 years in the Michigan State House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Digital Daily

Many excellent classroom teachers are also fine politicians who commit themselves to community service. One example of this is Teola Pearl Hunter, a teacher from Michigan who has also served in her state’s House of Representatives.

Teola was born on Feb. 5, 1933, in Detroit. When she was only 15. years old, she graduated from Class Technical High School in 1949. After her high school graduation, she enrolled at the University of Detroit, Mercy, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree Education in 1958. In 1971, she earned her Master’s degree in Elementary School Guidance and Counseling from Wayne State University.

After she earned her degrees, Teola taught in Detroit public schools. She was an educator from 1958 to 1974, a total of 14 years. During this period, she founded Buttons and Bows Nurseries and Preparatory School. She operated the school from 1971 to 1985.

In 1980, Teola was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Michigan State House of Representatives. There she represented District 5 from 1981 to 1992. While in the House, Teola served as the Chairperson of the House Social Services and Youth Committee; the Ad Hoc Committee on Early Intervention and Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency; and the Oversight Committee on Family and Child Services. She also served on the Governor’s Task Force on Access to Health Care. In 1987, she was selected to be the first woman Speaker Pro Temper for the House. She also served as a delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan in 1988.

Once her service in the Michigan State House was completed, Teola was appointed Deputy Director for Health and Community Services. In this position she was responsible for overseeing Mental Health Services, the Patient Care Management System, Youth Programs, the Co-op Extension, and the Child Care Fund. When her term there concluded, she was elected as the Deputy Director for the Wayne County Clerk, where she served two terms.

Throughout her life, Teola has served on the Boards of several nonprofits, including the College Board Kids Learning Center, the Lewis College of Business, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Women’s Committee). She belonged to the National Order of Women Legislators, the patrons of the Arts for the Paradise Theater and Orchestra.

For her work as an educator and a legislator, in Feb., 2020, Teola was recognized by the the city of Detroit as one of four local iconic trailblazers honored during their Black History Month celebration.

Today, Teola Hunter is 90 years old and still going strong!

Math teacher and Major League Baseball player James Brideweser

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James Brideweser

Math teacher James Brideweser also played Major League Baseball. 

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 Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California.

The 6-foot, 165-pound shortstop and second baseman inaugurated his MLB career on Sept. 29, 1951, with the New York Yankees, for whom he played a total of 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 spanned 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 in Southern California. He also served as the coach of their varsity baseball team, which logged two championship seasons under his leadership. In addition, James coached the baseball team for nearby Saddleback College from 1982 to 1985. The team made it all the way to the Mission Conference championships in 1983 and 1984.

Sadly, James passed away on August 25, 1989, in El Toro, Orange County, California. He was 62 years old.