I was born in Perry, Florida to the late Florence Coach and James Mason. I graduated from the Taylor County Public School system in 1977. Though my parents weren’t well educated they instilled in me the need to pursue higher education. My mom’s dream was to become a teacher, but she dropped out of school in the eighth grade due to her family’s financial difficulties. I always remembered my father being an avid reader. I have a passion for teaching because of their guidance, prayers and love. My faith in God has allowed me to become the educator I never dream I could become. I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world whom I had the pleasure of meeting at church. She was a new member in my first Sunday school class at NewWay praise and Worship Center. I am proud to say almost twenty-one years later we’re still happily married. She’s the joy and inspiration that keeps me going day after day. We both love to travel and dine out whenever we get an opportunity. I love teaching my students and working with my colleagues. I can’t think of a better profession to be a part of.

     My illustrious career in education began in 1985 as a substitute teacher in my hometown of Perry, Florida. After graduating from the University of Florida with a BA degree in Sociology in 1982, I worked in retail management, but I soon began to realize that I didn’t enjoy it. So in between jobs my mother suggested that I try teaching. She thought it would be a good idea, since I had always worked with children in the neighborhood in some form or fashion instructing them in various endeavors.

      I started teaching Sunday school for Mrs. Green when I was twelve years old. She trained me and gave me my first opportunity to teach.  In 1985, I started substitute teaching at my former high school, Taylor County High. I began to realize that I enjoyed teaching a great deal. At the end of the year my sister suggested that I come to Miami, since there were many more opportunities for me here in education.

     That’s exactly what I did.  I was a substitute teacher until 1986 when I landed my first fulltime teaching position as a 3100 at Skyway Elementary.  I had no teaching courses, so I had to become certified in Elementary Education, which I accomplished in 1989. It’s ironic because while in college I took one Education course and I dropped it when I found out I had to do student teaching. I was extremely shy at the time and I lacked self-confidence. But after one and half years at Skyway I came to Olympia Heights where I started to really grow as a professional. I served in the capacity of EESAC Secretary for two consecutive terms while at Olympia Heights. My other duties included serving as my school’s technology contact person, Science Fair Committee Co-Chair, Math Bowl Sponsor for Title I and the District Math Bowl, Safety Patrol Sponsor for twelve years, contact person for the Miami Herald and a tutor for Science and Math after school for eight year. During my tenure there for eighteen years I started to work on my Masters in TESOL in 1998 and graduated in 2000 from FIU with a MS in TESOL have participated in several math and science in-services to help me become a better teacher. I attended most of the Eisenhower Math and Science workshops, the first Florida Writes workshop, and just about every FCAT workshop you can think of.  I had the opportunity of participating in the first Summer Institute of Technology in 2000. This program by far has had the most impact on me to date. I have always tried to use technology in the classroom, but like many other teachers, I just didn’t quite know how to put it all together. This workshop exposed me to a lot of the things I have always wanted to do with technology, professionally and personally. I’ve always desired to build my own web page which I finally accomplished. Taking this workshop certified me to be a technology coach in Miami Dade County Public Schools, training teachers to use various forms of technology to enhance their teaching. I also became certified to conduct training for use of the Internet in the classroom through the WorldCom program Marcopolo.  I am continuing my professional development by currently pursuing National Board Teacher Certification. Carol City Elementary has allowed me to continue my professional development, where I am currently the grade chair for third grade. I also participate in the school’s SECME program two days a week tutoring students who desire to extend their learning day.  I am here at Carol City thanks to a wonderful teacher by the name of Mrs. Karen Gant. I have never seen a teacher give so much of her self to the cause of educating our students. I hope someday to walk in her footsteps. Because of Mrs. Gant Carol City is now my family away from family, because of the generosity she and others have shown me since I first arrived at CCE four years ago. I hope and pray one day to fulfill my life long dream of opening my own school like my idol Marva Collins of Chicago. Like her I believe all students are capable of learning and achieving.