Retired teacher and politician Derrick Graham of Kentucky

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High school social studies teacher and politician Derrick Graham of Kentucky.

Many fine educators have also earned success in the political realm. One of these is Derrick Graham, a high school social studies teacher from Kentucky. This talented educator also serves in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Derrick was born in Frankfort, Kentucky. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science in 1980. he earned his Master’s degree in Political Science from Ohio State University in 1982.

Once he earned his degrees, Derrick accepted a position as a social studies teacher at Frankfort High School. He’s now retired from the teaching profession.

Derrick inaugurated his career in politics when he was elected as a Frankfort City Commissioner. In all, he devoted nine years to the Commission, and even served a stint as the mayor pro tem. In 2003, Derrick was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives on the Democratic ticket. he represents District 57. As a State Representative, Derrick has worked tireless to advance educational causes. He has served on the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee, the Post-Secondary Education Committee, and the Subcommittee on School Finance. “He has dedicated his life to education and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities Kentucky faces academically,” House Speaker Greg Stumbo once declared.

In addition to his work in the legislature, Derrick has also served as a member of the Franklin County Council on Family Abuse, the Frankfort Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Frankfort Arts Foundation, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

To learn more about this Chalkboard Champion, see his legislator page at this link: Kentucky General Assembly.

Educator Jennifer Burdis inducted into Pennsylvania’s Sports Hall of Fame

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Educator Jennifer Burdis inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

There are many examples of dedicated educators who are also exceptional athletes. One of these is Jennifer Burdis, an elementary school educator originally from Pennsylvania. She has recently been inducted into her state’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Jennifer was raised in the small town of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. There she attended Blue Mountain High School. Even as a young student, she excelled in volleyball and basketball. She also participated in track and field. In 2006, Jennifer was inducted into the Blue Mountain High School Sports Hall of Fame.

After her high school graduation, Jennifer enrolled at Penn State. There she played volleyball, earning All Academic Big Ten Awards 1994 to 1997. Her team won three Big Ten volleyball championships and appeared in the Final Four three times.

Following her college graduation, Jennifer launched her career as an educator. She moved to California and accepted a position as a second grade school teacher. There she started training Brazilian jiu jitsu, sometimes twice a day. She even earned her blue belt. She also completed the requirements for her Master’s degree in Reading and Writing Curriculum Instruction from San Diego State University. In a career as an educator that has already spanned 20 years, Jennifer has taught second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. She currently teaches at R. Roger Rowe Elementary in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Jennifer is an NCSA Certified Personal Trainer. She’s also been a competitor on seasons 6 and 7 of American Ninja Warrior. And as if all that were not enough, she also authored the book The EduNinja Mindset: 11 Habits for Building a Healthier Mind and Body. Jennifer inspires her students and colleagues to focus on physical fitness, mindfulness, and healthy food choices.

Read more about Jennifer on her website at this link: Jen Burdis.