Arlington School & Family Magazine January/February 2016 | Page 27

a difference in her family, her church and her community.
Because of her example, I strive to leave this world a better
place than when I arrived.

blessed fortune to be part of the lives of so many Arlington
families. Other than the raw cognitive ability of the child,
only one variable really counts: what teachers do, know and
care about. This is the conclusion of professor John Hattie
of the University of Melbourne after concluding a rigorous
assessment of the thousands of empirical studies done on
educational achievement. I want to be certain that the
AISD continues to attract and retain high caliber teachers
and administrators for our students. Over the years, I have
worked and collaborated with many outstanding teachers
and administrators. In the process, professor Hattie’s
findings have been confirmed for me. The things that count
above all else are a teacher’s heart, talent and experience.
Our teachers and other personnel have historically been our
strength. We must all continue to work together to see this
continues. I am passionate about the AISD because I have
high hopes for our future. The best is yet to be. †

GIVE US A BRIEF BIO OF YOUR CAREER?
My entire career has been spent teaching. My first
assignment for the AISD in 1971 was teaching third graders
at Short Elementary. After receiving my master’s degree
and early childhood endorsement, I taught kindergarten
at Crow Elementary until 1983, when I became a full-time
mom to my own two children. After they reached school
age, I worked part time. For the next five years, I supervised
elementary student teachers for UTA and was an organizer
for the United Educators Association. I also completed a
library science endorsement at Texas Women’s University.
In 1996, I returned to working full time for the AISD as a
teacher/librarian at Speer Elementary. After 14 years as
the librarian at Swift Elementary, I retired in 2014 and was
also named Teacher of the Year. Throughout my career
as an educator, I was always a member of my professional
organizations and often was an officer. I served as president
of three teacher organizations: Arlington Classroom
Teachers Association, Arlington TSTA and the United
Educators Association of Arlington. As an officer, I served
on many school district committees and worked with nine
AISD superintendents.
WHAT MAKES YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT
THE AISD?
I love Arlington. This is my home where my children
and grandchildren are. After dedicating 44 years to our
district, I have a deep-seated desire to see our schools and
our children continue to be nurtured and thrive because
that is what will keep Arlington strong and prospering.
I have taught thousands of Arlington students. The
kindergarteners I loved and taught at Crow Elementary are
now married and have children of their own. I loved and
taught some of this second generation, too. I have had the

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