Tag Archives: Teacher Politicians

Educators who have also served in political positions, either appointed or elected.

Erin Oban, a former ND math teacher, appointed her state’s Director for Rural Development

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Former North Dakota math teacher Erin Oban now serves as the State Director for her state’s office of USDA Rural Development after previously serving in the ND State Seante. Photo Credit: US Dept. of Agriculture

Many gifted classroom teachers also make excellent lawmakers. One example of this is Erin Oban, a former junior high school math teacher who has been appointed the State Director for the office of USDA Rural Development. Previously, she served in the North Dakota State Senate.

Erin was born July 25, 1982, in Ray, North Dakota. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education at the University of Mary. After her college graduation, she accepted a position as a mathematics and technology teacher at Cathedral School in Bismarck, 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. She served there from Dec. 1, 2014, to March 27, 2022. While in the Senate, her interest in matters relating to education did not decrease. The former classroom teacher served on the Education Committee, the Agriculture Committee, the Judicial Committee, and the Committee for Employee Benefits Programs. She also served as the Chairman of the Education Policy Committee and, from 2021 to 2022, as the Assistant Minority Leader and a member of the Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Education Coordination Council. In addition to her legislative role, Erin worked as the Executive Director of Tobacco Free North Dakota, a nonprofit organization. She helped pass a bill banning e-cigarette sales to minors.

Erin resigned from the North Dakota State Senate when President Joe Biden appointed her State Director for her state’s office of USDA Rural Development. Her employment there began March 28, 2022. There she will oversee operations that support economic development and that offers programs, loans, grants, and technical assistance for rural residents, communities, and organizations.

 

Middle school teacher Helen Riehle served in Vermont Senate and House

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Former middle school teacher Helen Riehle also served in both the Vermont Senate and House of Representatives. Photo Credit: SupportVTDigger

Many fine educators have also served as capable politicians. This is true of Helen Riehle, a former middle school teacher from Vermont who also served as a member of both her state’s Senate and House of Representatives.

Helen was born on May 5, 1950, in Somerville, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1972. After earning her degree, Helen worked as a middle school teacher from 1975 to 1985.

In 1992, Helen was elected on the Republican ticked to the Vermont House of Representatives. She served there from Jan. 1983 through Jan. 1993. She also served in the Vermont State Senate where she represented most of Chittenden County from Jan. 1993 through Jan. 2001. She then took on the role of Chair of South Burlington City Council, a position which she held until she was appointed by Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin to serve in the State Senate a second time. During her second stint there, which spanned the dates of March of 2016 through Jan. of 2017, she filled the seat of Diane Snelling who left the position to head the Green Mountain State’s Natural Resources Board. As a legislator, Helen chaired the committees for Health and Welfare; Administrative Rules; and Health Access in both the House and Senate.

In addition to her work as a politician, Helen has experience as the Executive Director of the Champlain Valley Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in St. Albans and as the Executive Director of the Vermont Program for Quality in Health Care. She has also been active on numerous non-profit and higher education boards in the Chittenden County region, including University of Vermont, Burlington College, and Vermont Public Television.

Today, Helen lives in Burlington, Vermont. She is 72 years old.

OK Social Studies teacher Kimberly Ann Henry also served as her state’s First Lady

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Former Social Studies teacher Kimberly Ann Henry served her state as the First Lady of Oklahoma from 2003 to 2011. Photo Credit: Norman Rotary Club

Many dedicated educators also make their mark in the political arena. One off these is Kimberly Ann Henry, a high school history teacher who formerly served as the First Lady of Oklahoma from 2003 to 2011.

Kimberly was born in Norman, Oklahoma. As a young girl, she attended Shawnee High School in Shawnee, Oklahoma. After her high school graduation, she attended the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in 1986.

Kimberly began her ten-year career as a classroom teacher by joining the staff of her alma mater, Shawnee High School, in 1993. There she taught economics, US Government, Advanced Placement American History, and Oklahoma History. Her talents as an outstanding educator were rewarded when, in 1999-2000, she was one of only five educators across America to receive the Close-Up Foundation’s Linda Myers Chozen Award for Teaching Excellence in Civic Education. In addition to her work as a classroom teacher, Kimberly has been a strong advocate on behalf of troubled youth through her support of the Thunderbird Youth Academy.

When her husband, Brad Henry, was elected Governor of Oklahoma in 2003,  Kimberly became the First Lady of Oklahoma. She served in this capacity from 2003 to 2011. While First Lady, Kimberly fought to make education a priority in Oklahoma, and has been particularly instrumental in pushing for increased early childhood educational opportunities in the state.  More recently, Kimberly launched the MyTakeOnHealth Video Challenge, a program which gave young people and students an opportunity to make video spots about health topics. For many years she was actively involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Kimberly also served on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum.  She also previously served on the Board of Directors for Science Museum Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Also, Kimberly served as the Executive Director of the Sarkeys Foundation, a private, charitable foundation dedicated to providing support through gifts and grants to Oklahoma’s non-profit organizations.

For her work as an educator and as a politician, Kimberly has earned. many accolades. She was honored with the Bill Lowry Library Champion Award for her work in literacy in 2004. The same year by she was named one of the The Journal Record’s 50 Most Distinguished Women. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the people of her state, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2010, she was named the Outstanding Woman of the Year Award at the second annual Women’s Leadership Conference for Women in Public Service. The same year, she was honored by Oklahoma State University College of Education with their prestigious Vision Award.

To read more about Kimberly Ann Henry, see this article published by 405 Magazine.

Former teacher, trailblazer Teola Hunter served in Michigan House of Reps

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Former teacher and trailblazer Teola Hunter served her community in a variety of roles, including 11 years in the Michigan State House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Digital Daily

Many excellent classroom teachers are also fine politicians who commit themselves to community service. One example of this is Teola Pearl Hunter, a teacher from Michigan who has also served in her state’s House of Representatives.

Teola was born on Feb. 5, 1933, in Detroit. When she was only 15. years old, she graduated from Class Technical High School in 1949. After her high school graduation, she enrolled at the University of Detroit, Mercy, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree Education in 1958. In 1971, she earned her Master’s degree in Elementary School Guidance and Counseling from Wayne State University.

After she earned her degrees, Teola taught in Detroit public schools. She was an educator from 1958 to 1974, a total of 14 years. During this period, she founded Buttons and Bows Nurseries and Preparatory School. She operated the school from 1971 to 1985.

In 1980, Teola was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Michigan State House of Representatives. There she represented District 5 from 1981 to 1992. While in the House, Teola served as the Chairperson of the House Social Services and Youth Committee; the Ad Hoc Committee on Early Intervention and Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency; and the Oversight Committee on Family and Child Services. She also served on the Governor’s Task Force on Access to Health Care. In 1987, she was selected to be the first woman Speaker Pro Temper for the House. She also served as a delegate to Democratic National Convention from Michigan in 1988.

Once her service in the Michigan State House was completed, Teola was appointed Deputy Director for Health and Community Services. In this position she was responsible for overseeing Mental Health Services, the Patient Care Management System, Youth Programs, the Co-op Extension, and the Child Care Fund. When her term there concluded, she was elected as the Deputy Director for the Wayne County Clerk, where she served two terms.

Throughout her life, Teola has served on the Boards of several nonprofits, including the College Board Kids Learning Center, the Lewis College of Business, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Women’s Committee). She belonged to the National Order of Women Legislators, the patrons of the Arts for the Paradise Theater and Orchestra.

For her work as an educator and a legislator, in Feb., 2020, Teola was recognized by the the city of Detroit as one of four local iconic trailblazers honored during their Black History Month celebration.

Today, Teola Hunter is 90 years old and still going strong!

Former teacher Joyce Hearn served in the South Carolina House of Reps

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Former teacher Joyce Hearn served in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Dignity Memorial

Many excellent educators have also served their communities as capable politicians. One of these was Joyce Hearn, a former teacher from South Carolina who also served in her state’s House of Representatives.

Joyce was born on June 16, 1929, in Cedartown, Georgia. As a young girl, she enrolled at the University of West Georgia and then at the University of Georgia. She completed the requirements for her Bachelor’s degree in Education at Ohio State University. Once she earned her degrees, Joyce taught at Eau Claire High School in Columbia, South Carolina.

In 1974, Joyce was elected on the Republican ticket to the South Carolina House of Representatives. There she represented District 76, which covered Richland County, from 1975 to 1990. In the legislature, Joyce was named Assistant Minority Leader from 1976 to 1978 and again from 1987 to 1989. In this position she worked tirelessly to protect the rights of crime victims. Her work to expand the prosecution of rape changed the way the South Carolina public views rape and gave extra prosecuting options to all victims of domestic violence. She introduced legislation that reformed workers compensation laws and improved the rights of the disabled.

While in the House, Joyce also founded the National Order of Women Legislators, which to this day provides a national forum for women’s networking across all state legislatures. In 1979, Gov. Edwards awarded her the Order of the Palmetto for her many contributions to South Carolina. She also garnered the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Distinguished Service Award in 1985.

Once her terms in the South Carolina House were over, Joyce embarked on a third career. She founded her own company, Hearn & Associates. She ran this company until her retirement in 2014. Additionally, she was active in many organizations, including the Boards of the Columbia Urban League, the Federation of the Blind, Columbia College, and the Columbia Museum.

Chalkboard Champion and politician Joyce Hearn passed away on Jan. 20, 2021, in Columbia. She was 91 years old. She is interred at Elmwood Memorial Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina.