Category Archives: Education

Former elementary school teacher Olivia Diaz served in the Nevada State Assembly

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Olivia Diaz

Former elementary school teacher and Nevada State Assemblywoman Olivia Diaz

There are many examples of excellent classroom teachers who have gone on to have careers in politics. One of these is Olivia Diaz, an elementary school teacher who also served in the Nevada State Assembly.

Olivia was born in 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a young woman, she attended inner-city schools, graduating as the salutatorian from Rancho High School. Following her high school graduation, Olivia earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She completed the requirements for her Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from Nova Southeastern University, a private university with its main campus in Davie, Florida. While still in college, Olivia did volunteer work for AmeriCorps, a federal program that offers opportunities for public service.

Once she earned her degrees, Olivia accepted a position in the Clark County School District as an English Language Learner Specialist at Ronnow Elementary School. For the next 15 years, she devoted her energy to her students as a teacher of at-risk kids.

In 2009, Olivia was elected to the Nevada State Assembly to represent District 11 on the Democratic ticket. She was elected to four consecutive terms, serving from 2010 to 2018. While in office, Olivia worked on the Committee for Education, the Committee for Commerce and Labor, the Judiciary Committee, and the Subcommittee on K-12/Higher Education. She was also a member of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators.

“As one of the first Latinas ever elected to the Nevada State Legislature, she has been a trailblazer and role model for many aspiring leaders,” expressed Speaker of the Nevada State Assembly Jason Frierson, Olivia says she is grateful for the opportunity to serve her community. “Investing in education, fighting to protect and expand health care, and working to ensure that Nevada’s economy works for everyone has been an honor and a privilege,” she says.

On December 3, 2018, Olivia resigned her position in the Assembly to run for a position on the Las Vegas City Council.

Public school teacher and politician Mabel Desmond

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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.

New Jersey PE teacher and baseball coach Frank Eufemia is a former MLB player

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Frank Eufemia

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.