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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. |