California teacher Mark Takano serves in US House of Reps

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Former California English teacher and member of the US House of Representatives Mark Takano works to improve educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Photo credit: The Advocate.

Many fine classroom teachers go on to successful careers in politics. One of these educators in Mark Takano, a former teacher who now serves in the US House of Representatives.

Mark was born on December 10, 1960, in Riverside, California. He spent his entire childhood there. As a Japanese American, he grew up listening to stories told by his parents and grandparents about their internment in an American camp during WWII. As a young boy, Mark attended La Sierra High School. When he graduated in 1979, he was named the school’s valedictorian. After his high school graduation, Mark attended Harvard, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Government in 1983. He earned a second Master’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Creative Writing for the Performing Arts, from the University of California, Riverside, in 2010.

Once he earned his degree, Mark worked as a substitute teacher for various public school systems in the Boston area. Later he returned to Riverside, and, in 1988, he inaugurated his teaching career in the Rialto Unified School District. He taught British Literature at Rialto High School. Only two years later, he was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Riverside Community College District. There he worked diligently to increase job training opportunities for adult learners. In 1991, Mark was elected Board President. In all, Mark taught for 23 years in public schools.

In 2012, Mark was elected elected on the Democratic ticket to represent the 41st District in the US House of Representatives. His District includes Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, and Perris. As a Congressman, he serves on a variety of committees, including the Education and Labor Committee; the Science, Space and Technology Committee; and as the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

To learn more about Mark Takano, see his Congressional website.

The amazing Tidye Pickett: Olympian and teacher

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Many fine educators have also distinguished themselves in the field of sports. This is true of Tidye Pickett, an Olympic athlete from Illinois who taught school in East Chicago Heights. Photo credit: Alchetron.

There are many examples throughout American history of talented educators who have also distinguished themselves in the field of sports. One such example is the remarkable Tidye Pickett.

Theodora Anne Pickett was born on November 13, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois. Known by everyone as Tidye, she was the second of two children born to Louis and Sarah Pickett. Her father was a foundry foreman, and her mother was a factory clerk.

As a teenager, Tidye took up running. She quickly established a reputation as a high school track star at her alma mater, Englewood High School in Chicago. She was one of two African American women selected to represent the United States women’s track team in the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles. She was scheduled to serve as part of an eight-woman relay team and as an alternate sprinter in the 80-meter hurdles, the broad jump, and the 100-meter sprint, but did not actually compete in those games. When the 1936 games rolled around, Tidye was again selected to represent the United States. Unfortunately, a foot injury prevented Tidye from medaling in those games; however, she did earn the distinction of being the first African American woman to compete in an Olympic Games.

Tidye earned her Bachelor’s degree from Pestalozzi Froebel Teachers College in Chicago and her Master’s degree in Education from Northern Illlinois University in August, 1956. Following her college graduation, Tidye accepted a position as a teacher at Cottage Grove Elementary in East Chicago Heights. She taught there for just one year, and then the talented educator was promoted to the position of principal of Woodlawn School in the same district. She remained in that position for 23 years until her retirement in 1980. In recognition for her many years of distinguished service, the district renamed her school Tidy A. Pickett School.

This amazing Chalkboard Champion passed away on November 17, 1986, at the age of 72.

Scott Thannum of Texas garners DAR Outstanding Teacher Award

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Congratulations to Texas educator Scott Thannum, who has garnered an Outstanding American History Teacher Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Photo credit: Southlake Style.

I always enjoy sharing stories about teachers who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Scott Thannum, a teacher from Texas who has garnered an Outstanding American History Teacher Award from the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution).

In a career that has spanned over 31 years, Scott has taught at Carroll Independent School District for the past seven of them. He teaches Advanced Placement and College Prep US History courses at Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas.

Scott is thoroughly dedicated to the profession of teaching. “It’s a passion of mine,” he revealed. “So many things happening in this day and age have precedent in the past. Understanding the past helps us to build a better future. That’s my goal for my students — not only knowing history, but putting themselves into the story, finding their own voice and make this country a better place going forward,” he continued.

His students value the dedication. “He made a personal connection with everyone he taught, which made us feel valued,” remarked of Scott’s students. “His honest and unbiased retelling of history was refreshing and appreciated by students from all backgrounds, and it made us want to become better citizens in both our community and our country as a whole,” the student continued. “To us, he is much more than a teacher… he is a mentor and a role model,” the student concluded.

To learn more about Scott Thannum, see this article about him published by Southlake Style.

Qorsho Hassan named Minnesota’s 2021 Teacher of the Year

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Elementary school teacher Qorsho Hassan of Minnesota has been named her state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: Sahan Journal.

Teachers typically work very hard to create an atmosphere of inclusion in their classrooms. One teacher who has been recognized for doing this is Qorsho Hassan, an elementary school teacher from Minnesota. She has just been named her state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Qorsho, a Somali American educator, currently teaches fourth grade at Echo Park School in Burnsville, Minnesota. Before that, she was an educator in Ohio and taught in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is her ninth year in the classroom.

The honored educator earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from The Ohio State University. She has completed additional course work in Early Childhood Education from Ashland University, located in Ashland, Ohio. In addition, Qorsho is a Fulbright scholar.

Widely-respected, Qorsho is known for being deeply committed to cultivating a community of global citizens in her classroom. She has been recognized for working diligently to create a classroom filled with high expectations, representation, and love. “She has a way of connecting with kids and honoring where they’re at and where they’re from and making sure that they know they’re valued for who they are, not what they’re going to be,” remarked colleague Laurel Mirs. “She grows with them.”

Through Qorsho’s research on the most relevant teaching methods, her reflection on current practices, and her carefully constructed lesson plans, the honored educator provides instruction that is engaging, culturally reflective, and meaningful. She maintains and relies on authentic relationships with her students and parents to teach effectively. Additionally, Qorsho knows how important it is for students to have teachers of color, and she has become a strong voice for educators of color throughout the state of Minnesota.

To learn more about Qorsho Hassan, see this article and video published by KARE-11.com.