Tag Archives: Math Teachers

Dr. Patricia Jordan inducted into the 2015 National Teachers Hall of Fame

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Patricia Jordan

New York’s Dr. Patricia Jordan inducted into the 2015 National Teachers Hall of Fame

It’s always gratifying to learn that a fellow educator has been singled out for special recognition. This happened to Dr. Patricia Jordan, a high school math teacher from New York who was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2015.

Patricia earned her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology African Studies from New York’s Vassar College in 1972. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from City University of New York in 1974. She completed the requirements for her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Long Island’s Hofstra University in 1991.

Patricia inaugurated her career as an educator in 1972, when she accepted a position at New Haven Public High Schools. There she taught courses in consumer math and algebra. The next year she taught individualized math instruction at Park East Alternative High School, and the two years following that she taught general math at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., High School. From 1976 through 1980, Patricia taught general math, algebra, and geometry at Malverne High School, and from 1980 to 2001, she taught all math levels at Roslyn High School. In all, Patricia served 29 years as a professional educator before her retirement.

For her outstanding work in the classroom, Patricia has earned many honors. In 1993, she won the Humanitarian Award from the NAACP, she earned the Disney Teacher Award, and she was named the New York State Teacher of the Year. In 1995, she garnered the National Council of Negro Women Achievement Award, and in 1998, she was named a Tandy Corporation Technology Scholar. In 2004, Patricia was given the Chasing Rainbows Award from the Dolly Parton Foundation. And in 2015, this remarkable chalkboard champion was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Since her retirement from the teaching profession, Patricia has been a practicing clinical psychologist. She has also served as a volunteer tutor, and she is actively involved in alumni programs, professional organizations, and parent associations. With her sister, she established the Juanita James Memorial Scholarship Foundation in memory of their mother. This organization provides college scholarships to students from housing projects in the Bronx.

Feel free to view this short YouTube video that depicts the moment Patricia learned she had been honored by the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Cheers and a little dance for high school math teacher Bob Williams of Alaska

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Bob Williams

Cheers and a little dance for high school math teacher Bob Williams of Alaska

High school teacher Bob Williams of Alaska used cheers and little dances to generate enthusiasm for math. His strategies have garnered him an induction into the National Teachers hall of Fame.

Bob was born and raised in Palmer, Alaska. The son of a sawmill operator, Bob graduated from Palmer High School there. He earned his Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, in 1982. He earned his Master’s in Mathematics Education from Columbia University in 1991. He completed the requirements for his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, in 2006. In addition, this talented educator achieved National Board Certification in 2011.

Bob inaugurated his teaching career in 1987 when he accepted a two-year post to Gambia, West Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer. When he returned from Gambia, he taught high school math in New York Public Schools, where he worked from 1989 to 1991. Then he returned to Alaska, where he taught for three years at Nome Beltz Jr. and Sr. High School in Nome, Alaska, and seven years at his alma mater, Palmer High School in Palmer, Alaska. From 2004 to 2006 Bob devoted his professional talents to the K-12 Alaska Statewide Mentorship Project, and from 2006 to 20017, he returned once again to Palmer, where he taught math at Colony High School. At present he is the Director of the Division of Educator and School Excellence in the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

In the classroom, Bob is famous for his high-energy teaching style. He loves to lead his students in cheers and dances to reinforce a math concept. This energy generates enthusiasm for learning and motivates students to achieve. “I think some of the biggest and most meaningful breakthroughs I make with students is that I tell them all that I want them all to feel welcomed, valued, safe, and respected when they walk in the class, no matter who they are. And I work for that,” Bob once revealed.

For his work as a professional educator, Bob has earned many accolades. In 2009, he was named the Alaska State Teacher of the Year, and the same year he earned an NSF Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. In 2010, Bob garnered an NEA Foundation Horace Mann Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2017, he was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, the first teacher from his state to be so honored.

“Bob is inspiring to all his students, colleagues, and parents he serves,” colleague Trevor Townsend once remarked, “and he represents all educators through his passionate teaching style, love for teaching, and his high standards of respect he creates in his classroom for all students to be successful. He cares deeply for students and the education process,” Trevor concluded.

Well done, Bob. Well done.

Remembering Chalkboard Hero Michael Landsberry

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Michael Landsberry

Junior high school mathematics teacher and veteran Michael Landsberry sacrificed his life to save as many as 30 students from a teen gunman.

Sometimes it is sobering to remember what a heavy responsibility we teachers have when it comes to protecting our students from harm. And there are many examples of heroic educators who have paid the ultimate price to protect their kids. One such hero is Michael Landsberry, a junior high school math teacher from Reno, Nevada.

Following his graduation from high school in 1986, Michael served in the United States Marine Corps where he had risen to the rank of corporal. He served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and later became a member of the Nevada Air National Guard.

After his discharge, Michael attended college at Nevada State University, Reno, on the GI Bill. There he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 2001. Following his college graduation, Michael accepted a teaching position at Sparks Middle School in Sparks, a suburb of Reno, Nevada. In addition to being a math teacher, he also coached basketball, cross country, track, and volleyball, and he served as the girls soccer coach at Sparks High School. Michael quickly became a beloved teacher known for pushing his students, but doing it with love and compassion.

On October 22, 2013, Michael was getting ready for the morning bell, when a 12-year-old student suddenly opened fire on his classmates. After the first student was shot, the chalkboard champion’s military training in kicked in. He calmly walked toward the shooter, putting his hands up in a motion to try to talk the youngster into giving up his gun. The student shot him in the chest at point blank range. Michael later succumbed to his injuries, but his heroic actions gave the other students on the playground time to run to safety. He is credited with saving as many as 30 lives that day.

For his heroism, Michael’s name has been inscribed on the Memorial to Fallen Educators at the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas.

Erin Oban: The junior high school math teacher who serves in her state House of Representatives

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Erin Oban

North Dakota’s Erin Oban, former junior high school math teacher who now serves in her state’s House of Representatives.

Many gifted classroom teachers also make excellent lawmakers. One example of this is Erin Oban, a junior high school math teacher who has been elected to the North Dakota State Senate.

Erin was born July 25, 1982, in Ray, Williams County, North Dakota. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Mary.

After her college graduation, Erin was employed as a mathematics and technology teacher at Cathedral School in Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota. There she had a reputation among her 7th and 8th grade students for being genuine, hardworking, and kind. “I think one of her most admirable qualities is her authentic support. I never felt uncomfortable asking a question or embarrassed to speak up, because she always made me feel like my contribution to the class was important and appreciated,” remembered former student Danielle Finn. “Most importantly, (Mrs.) Oban took the time to listen to me whenever I wanted to be heard. She would come early to answer questions and stay late for those who needed help. She truly wanted all of her students to succeed, not just at school but also in life,” Danielle concluded.

In 2014, Erin was elected to the North Dakota State Senate on the Democratic ticket to represent the 35th District. In the Senate, her interest in matters relating to education has not decreased. The former classroom teacher serves on the Education Committee, the Judicial Committee, and the Committee for Employee Benefits Programs. She also serves as the Chairman of the Education Policy Committee.

In addition to her legislative role, Erin is the Executive Director of Tobacco Free North Dakota, a nonprofit organization. She helped pass a bill last year banning e-cigarette sales to minors.

Erin Oban: a true Chalkboard Champion.

Sekou Biddle: Talented elementary school teacher and politician from Washington, DC

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Sekou Biddle

Sekou Biddle: Talented elementary school teacher and politician from Washington, DC

There are many fine examples of talented classroom teachers who go on to become influential in local politics. One such teacher is Sekou Biddle, an elementary school teacher and politician from Washington, DC.

Sekou was born and raised in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. His parents, who both worked for the federal government, stressed the importance of education, and they made sure Sekou went to quality public schools. The youngster attended Woodrow Wilson Senior High School in Tenleytown, a historic neighborhood in Northwest, DC. There he played sports, including football, basketball, and crew. He also dated the valedictorian, whom he later married.

Following his high school graduation, Sekou attended Morehouse College, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Once he earned his degree, Sekou accepted a position as a fifth and sixth grade teacher at an elementary school in the Bronx borough of New York City. The job fulfilled his obligation to the Teach for American program. Later, Sekou accepted a teaching position at an elementary school at Atlanta, Georgia. In 2005, he moved back to Washington, DC, where he taught math for the Knowledge is Power Program. Eventually he was named the Director of Community Outreach for the Knowledge is Power organization.

When he decided to throw his hat into the political ring, Sekou ran for and won a seat on the District of Columbia State Board of Education. He served in that capacity for four years. When his term expired, he became the Executive Director of Jumpstart for Young Children, a nonprofit organization that prepares youngsters to enter elementary school. He worked there for four years. Since 2012, Sekou has been employed as the vice president of the United Negro College Fund, where he oversees the advocacy platform that builds coalitions and supports education reforms.