Teacher and former First Lady of New Jersey Mary Jo Codey

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Elementary school teacher and indefatigable women’s health activist Mary Jo Codey is the former First Lady of New Jersey.  Photo credit: Public Domain.

Many times gifted and active educators find themselves immersed in the world of politics. This is certainly the case with Mary Jo Codey, an elementary schoolteacher who once served as the First Lady of New Jersey. Mary Jo served her state during the administration of her husband, Governor Richard Codey, a Democrat who was in office from 2004 to 2006. Governor Codey took office upon the resignation of former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey.

Mary Jo was born on August 14, 1955, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and was raised in West Orange. After her high school graduation, she enrolled in Caldwell College, where she earned first her Bachelor’s degree and then her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She has also earned certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant (LDTC) from Seton Hall University.

Once her husband took office, Mary Jo taught part time. Simultaneously she served as the ambassador for the Governor’s Book Club, which encouraged reading and literacy skills among elementary school children. This position gave her an opportunity to visit schools all over the state and read aloud to children. She also worked tirelessly to promote awareness for women’s mental health issues, particularly postpartum depression and breast cancer.

After her husband left office, Mary Jo accepted a teaching position at a private elementary school in West Orange, New Jersey.

Throughout her career, Mary Jo has contributed to a wide variety of causes. When her sons were young, she was active in Cub Scouts as a den mother and in her children’s school parent teacher associations. She is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Essex County, which honored her for her mental health advocacy efforts in 1995. Mary Jo also served as the first facilitator for a postpartum depression support group that was established at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in 1994 and continues to operate today. Currently, she is an active member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

To read more about this Chalkboard Champion, see this biography of her at the official website for the state of New Jersey.

Exploring DC’s National African American Museum online

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Author and retired educator Terry Lee Marzell shares information about how classroom teachers can guide their students in an online exploration of DC’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell.

On a recent trip to Washington, DC, I truly tried my best to secure admission tickets to the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) located there. The museum finally re-opened on May 14 following a prolonged closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alas, because of high demand and limited supply, an in-person visit for me was not to be. Therefore, like many classroom teachers, I’ll be exploring this fascinating museum online at NMAAHC.  Let me share with you some of what I have learned from examining the online resources.

In the exhibit entitled A Changing America, students can learn more about Slavery and Freedom. In addition, topics related to the years following the end of Reconstruction show how the nation struggled to define the status of African Americans. A wealth of information about the Civil Rights Movement can be explored at the link created for the Civil Rights History Project.

Students can explore the exhibition that details African Americans and military experience at this link: Double Victory. The exhibition covers topics related to the struggles of African Americans in the military going as far back as the American Revolution. Also included is information about coping in a segregated military and efforts to integrate the military.

Another exhibit shares aspects of African American culture, including oral tradition, literature, poetry, crafts, cuisine, fashion, dance, and nonverbal communication. See this exhibit at Cultural Expressions. Students can also explore African American art at this link for Visual Art, and musical expression at this link for Musical Crossroads.

Students can explore the specific artifacts contained in the museum’s collection by clicking on this link: Collection. Artifacts include such items as articles of clothing, letters, photographs, furniture pieces, household items, quilts, musical instruments, sheet music, as well as documents and instruments related to enslavement.

Teachers can examine additional resources, including resources for STEM, provided by the museum at this link at this link for Educators. So much information is available to those who want to learn more about African American history and culture. Enjoy!

Nebraska teacher Stephanie J. Keller succumbs to Covid-19

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Sadly, we report that Special Education teacher Stephanie J. Keller of Papillion, Nebraska, has succumbed to Covid-19. Photo credit: Tribute Archives.

We are sad to report that Covid-19 has claimed the life of yet another beloved educator. Stephanie J. Keller of Papillion, Nebraska, succumbed to the disease on April 5, 2021.

Stephanie was born on September 7, 1981, in Sioux City, Iowa. She attended East High School, where she participated in band and choir. These activities gave her the opportunity to indulge in her love for travel. Following her high school graduation in 2000, she attended Morningside College in her home town of Soiux City. There she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. While at Morningside, Stephanie was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2003. In college, she spent her summers working at Camp Foster in Okobjoki, Iowa. Later she earned her Master’s degree from Wayne State College located in Wayne, Nebraska.

Once she completed the requirements for her Bachelor’s degree, Stephanie accepted her first teaching position at South Sioux City Schools, where she remained for eight years. In 2011, Stephanie married Kevin Keller. The couple moved to Papillion, Nebraska, where the experienced educator accepted a position as a Special Education teacher at G. Stanley Hall Elementary School. Stephanie and her husband also became foster parents to six children.

Unfortunately, the beloved educator contracted Covid-19, and succumbed to the disease on April 5, 2021. She was just 39 years old. Read her obituary at this link to Tribute Archive.

Nicole Butler-Hooton: Oregon’s 2021 Teacher of the Year

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Elementary school teacher Nicole Butler-Hooton from Bethel, Oregon, has been named her state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: The Oregonian.

I truly enjoy sharing stories about educators who have earned accolades for their exemplary work in the classroom. One of these is Nicole Butler-Hooton, an elementary school teacher from Bethel, Oregon, who has been named her state’s 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Nicole is a member of the Siletz and Apache Native American tribes. She was raised in a small coastal town in her home state. Upon graduation from high school, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a minor in Ethnic Studies from the University of Oregon. While there, she was awarded the Sapsik’ʷałá grant, designed to assist Native American students to achieve their goal of earning a Master’s Degree in Education.

Once she completed the requirements for her Master’s degree, Nicole accepted a position as a second grade teacher at Irving Elementary in Bethel. Her career there has spanned 14 years. Nicole has a reputation for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally-responsive teaching style. Nicole has an almost instinctive appreciation of diversity and inclusion in the classroom. “I think in order to teach a child, you have to know the child, and I think that that comes with being consistent and loving and kind,” asserts Nicole. “I think understanding that each child has a unique circumstance, remembering that all students deserve respect and attention is key, and it’s up to us teachers to go the extra mile to be able to give that,” she continues.

For her work in the classroom, Nicole has been selected Oregon’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. She is the first Native American to be so honored. She has also been named a Eugene/Springfield representative for the Oregon Indian Educator Association. She mentors and coaches student teachers and colleagues.

To read more about this remarkable educator, see her story published by The Oregonian.