Tag Archives: Teacher Politicians

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.

Teacher Mary Edly-Allen also served in the Illinois State House of Reps

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Mary Edly-Allen, an English as a Second Language teacher from Illinois, also served in her state’s House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Mary Edly-Allen

Many fine educators have also shown expertise in the political field. One of them is Mary Edly-Allen, a teacher from Illinois who has also served in her state’s House of Representatives.

When Mary decided to become an educator, she was following the lead of a good role model. Her mother was an educator. Her father was a maintenance worker and Korean War Navy veteran. As a young woman, Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern Illinois University in 1993 and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Bilingual Certification from National Louis University in 2017.

For the past 17 years, Mary has worked as an English Second Language teacher in the Grayslake Public School District, working primarily with young children of immigrant families. In addition, she is the co-founder of an educational non-profit, Foundation46, and she is a founding member of the Community Consolidated School District 46 Diversity Committee. Furthermore, Mary has been involved for many years with Illinois Science Olympiad as a coach, and she serves on its Board of Directors. She is active in many Lake County community organizations.

In 2018, Mary was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Illinois State House of Representatives. There she represented the 51st District from 2019 to 2021. While in the House, she was a member of the committees for Elementary & Secondary Education School Curriculum Policies; Adoption & Child Welfare;  Mental Health; Human Services; State Government Administration; and Energy & Environment. During her years in the legislature, Mary worked to restore vocational and technical education courses in high schools. She was also a champion for diverse communities.

Former Special Ed teacher Margaret Carpenter served in NC House of Reps

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Former Special Education teacher Margaret Carpenter once served in the North Carolina State House of Representatives. Photo Credit: Public Domain

Many fine educators have also served their communities in political office. One of these is Margaret Carpenter, a Special Education teacher in North Carolina who has served in her state’s House of Representatives.

Margaret was born on Aug. 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan. Since childhood, she has preferred to be called “Marge.” As a youngster, she attended Lamphere high School in Madison Heights, Michigan, where she graduated in 1968. After her high school graduation, Margaret earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama in 1975. She earned her Master’s degree in Education at the University of Southern Alabama (USA) in 1989. She also completed graduate courses at USA.

After she completed her education, Margaret accepted a position as a Special Education teacher. For her work in the classroom, she was recognized in the publication Who’s Who in Education in 1996-1997.

In 2000, Margaret was elected on the Republican ticket to the North Carolina State House of Representatives. There she represented the 52nd District for one term, from 2001 to 2003. Her District included the counties of Graham, Haywood, part of Jackson, Madison, and Swain. During her years of service, Margaret was a member of the Committees on Education; Mental Health; the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education; and the Education Subcommittee on Community Colleges.

Today, Margaret, now age 72, lives in Waynesville, North Carolina. To read more about her, see this entry published in the North Carolina Manual.