Teacher, coach, principal, and theater sensation James Ellis

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Teacher, coach, principal, and theater sensation James Ellis of Ramona Middle School in La Verne, California.

Throughout our country, there are many dedicated educators who also exhibit talent in arenas outside the classroom. One of these is James Ellis, a junior high school educator who also participates in theatrical productions.

James has been interested in the theater ever since he was a young man. “What got me hooked was getting to put on another persona and living someone’s truth on stage while telling their story,” he asserts. Among his favorite roles are Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, Lord Farquad in Shrek, and Gus Growltiger in Cats. He is currently working on his first Shakespeare production.

James was born to parents who were educators. He is the son of a fourth grade teacher and an economics professor. James was raised in Pawnee, a rural town in central Illinois that boasts a population of 2,300. His hometown was so small, there were no theaters, no stoplights, and no fast food joints. His high school had only 170 students, and his graduating class had only 36 students.

Once James graduated from high school, he enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication. He also honed his skills as a gymnast. Later he earned his Master’s degree at the University of La Verne in southern California.

After graduating from college, James relocated to the city of Covina in southern California, where he accepted a position coaching gymnastics. One of his students was a nationally ranked future Olympian. James also worked as a substitute teacher. In time, he was hired as a part-time teacher at San Dimas High School, where he taught mathematics. He impressed his supervisors so much that they offered him a position as ASB Director. During his eight years there, he added teaching drama and coaching cheerleading to his resume.

In 2006, James moved into administration when he accepted a position as an Assistant Principal of Ramona Middle School in La Verne. Four years later he became the principal of Gladstone Elementary in San Dimas, and in 2017 he returned to Ramona to lead the school as its principal. “You have to have a sense of humor to work at a middle school,” James declares. “We work hard and we laugh a lot. What more can someone ask for in a career?”

You can read more about the amazing James Ellis from this article published by La Verne Online.

Coronavirus claims life of Virginia teacher Susan Rokus

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Retired first grade teacher and reading tutor Susan Rokus of Loudoun County, Virginia, succumbs to coronavirus.

The professional community is mourning the loss of yet another educator who has been lost to the coronavirus. Retired teacher and reading tutor Susan Rokus of Loudoun County, Virginia, passed away on March 25, 2020. She was 73 years old.

Susan inaugurated her career as an educator in 1969 when she accepted a position as a first-grade teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS). During her career, she served at the old Arcola Elementary School, Little River, Liberty, and Pinebrook elementary schools. She retired in 2014. In retirement, Susan continued to serve her students as a part-time tutor for struggling readers. She tutored at two elementary schools in her district.

Susan was revered by those who knew her. “She is someone who poured her whole self into contributing to our community,” recalled LCPS Superintendent Eric Williams. In fact, just last year, Susan was recognized by Little River Principal Kevin Murphy as one of the core leaders of the school when it first opened 20 years ago.

Parent Rachel Hill shared memories on Facebook of her friendship with the fallen teacher. Hill remembered the days her son was a student in Susan’s class, going on class field trips together, and walking around the running track at a school together. “I will also never forget her spunk and sense of style,” Hill wrote. “That woman loved to dress and always looked stunning. She reminded me of my grandmother with her love for clothes and fashion and shopping.” Susan also had a reputation for her flare for distinctive decor, especially the leopard-print chair, shaped like a stiletto, that she kept for years at the front of her classroom.

“Her heart was so big. I’m not sure she realized how many children she helped,” wrote mourner Lisa Mitchell. Paul Pack, Principal of Liberty Elementary agreed.  “Her legacy in Loudoun is unlike anything I’ve ever seen because it’s generational,” he remarked.

To read about other educators who have succumbed to the coronavirus, see this article at Education Week.

Math educator Brian McLaughlin named Tennessee’s 2020 Teacher of the Year

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Math educator Brian McLaughlin named Tennessee’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.

I love to write stories about teachers who have been honored for their hard work in the classroom. Today I get to write about math educator Brian McLaughlin, who has been named the Tennessee’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.

Brian said he was shocked when the announcement of his selection was made. The Teacher of the Year is usually selected from one of three Grand Division winners. But this year, the Tennessee Department of Education broke their tradition and selected a Teacher of the Year in addition to three Grand Division winners.

Brian’s passion for teaching was ignited at a very young age. When he was only 13, with his math teacher went out on maternity leave. With no substitute available, the student took on the role and taught the class. That experience inspired him to make teaching his life career. After his high school graduation, Brian enrolled at Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. There he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. He earned his Master’s in Education from Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee.

In a career that has spanned 11 years, Brian currently teaches Algebra, Honors Algebra, and AP Statistics at West High School in Morristown, Hamblen County, Tennessee. The school is located in a rural area with widespread poverty and homeless, and a large population of English language learners.

Brian’s philosophy of teaching focuses on an abstract perspective. He asserts this fosters creativity in problem-solving. By using this strategy, the innovative educator has earned Tennessee’s highest evaluation scores each year of his career. Most importantly, says Brian, is influencing students by reaching their hearts, and he is driven by a deep desire to ensure that each individual child’s personal needs are met. To this end, he uses a “destiny first” mindset, which he describes as centering curriculum and instruction around students’ career goals and ensuring that what they are doing in the classroom is relevant to achieving those goals.

Brian is also deeply invested in his community. He believes schools must collaborate with local government leaders and businesses to ensure that the world is preparing for his students at the same time his students prepare to impact the world.

To read more about Brian, see this link at CCSSO.

Retired NY teacher and school board member Sue Prokosch succumbs to Covid-19

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Retired junior high school social studies teacher and school board member Sue Prokosch of Newburgh, New York, succumbs to Covid-19.

The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of many talented educators. One of these is Sue Prokosch, a retired teacher and school board member from Newburgh, New York. She passed away on March 30, 2020. She was 72 years old.

“Sue was an extraordinary woman with a large heart,” remembers her niece, Gina Cook. “She had strong ethics, beliefs, and views and was very candid. We always knew where we stood with her. We valued her opinion and worked hard to make her proud.”

Sue was born on January 14, 1948, in Newburgh, New York. She graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1966. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching at State University of New York, Oneonta.

Sue inaugurated her career as an educator in 1970 when she accepted a position as a social studies teacher at North Junior High. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she worked closely with administrators on scheduling, curriculum, and peer mentoring. She also served her community as a basketball coach, even supporting girls sports before they were commonplace. Throughout her entire career, Sue was known to be dedicated to her students, especially those without a voice, and she worked tirelessly to help them achieve purpose in their lives.

After 33 years in the classroom, the veteran educator retired in 2003. Post-retirement, she spent ten years as a Newburgh school board member. During this time, Sue served on nearly every Board committee. Most recently, she served as the Chairwoman for the Buildings and Grounds and Personnel committees. She also supported the Newburgh Armory Unity Center (NAUC), an organization that provide high-quality academic enrichment opportunities to the children and families of Newburgh.

To read more about Sue, see her obituary at recordonline.com.

Indiana teacher Marisa Salasky uses creativity in online lesson about the Civil War

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Middle school social studies teacher Marisa Salasky of Fortville, Indiana, uses creativity to teach her students an online lesson about the Civil War.

During the closure of schools nationwide in response to the coronavirus pandemic, many talented educators are stretching their creative abilities even further than they normally do. Today I’d like to spotlight one such educator: Marisa Salasky, a middle school social studies teacher at Mr. Vernon Community School in Fortville, Vernon Township, Indiana.

Marisa, who is well-known for her innovative lesson plans, has been extending that creativity to the development of online curriculum, like the one pictured above. “What you’re looking at is a history teacher who has been desperate to do something more interactive to teach the Civil War than what she’s been doing,” Marisa shared on her Instagram. “SO enter: Toy Soldier re-enactment of Picketts Charge/Battle of Gettysburg, in my living room, on my couch… key players included: Viking Little People, Batman, and WWII soldiers.”

Marisa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education at Butler University in 2012. Butler is a private university located in Indianapolis, Indiana.