The support team for Emerging Professionals has had a very busy and enlightening biennium.
We have written articles, attended International, State and local conferences, added to our blog
and are ready for our second “Penne Party” to honor the Penne Ferrell Grant recipients. We had
successful Tuesday Teacher Talks/tips on important educational issues as well.
Thank You DKG for supporting our team's efforts.
CHRISTINA CLEMONS
I am a recovered & "non-math person"! I've been teaching Middle School math for 9 years but I
started out as an early elementary teacher so that I wouldn't have to teach, what I considered to
be, "math". After teaching 2nd grade in Florida, and through lots of twists and turns, I was
offered a teaching job in Oakland, California in January of 2015. I took over a 5/6 GATE class and
6th grade math after their teacher had left in November. I began taking as many math courses as I
could from City College of San Francisco and ended up falling in love with math. I now teach 8th
grade math along with High School Geometry and Algebra. Helping students see themselves as
math people is my life's work. Being a math person doesn't mean you have to love math, take
calculus, or win the Fields Medal. It means that you a) do math and b) are a person! I want
students to be confident in themselves and in their ability to problem solve, take risks, make
mistakes, and use those mistakes to refine their skills. I remind students that, contrary to popular
belief, math wasn't invented by math teachers to torture students nor was the world created with
textbooks already printed and ready for humans to consume- it has an incredible history of
curious thinkers discovering ways to problem solve various challenges and questions that arose
throughout humanity, beautiful patterns, and is absolutely relevant.
Math is for everyone. "Mathematics knows no races or geographic boundaries; for mathematics,
the cultural world is one country." - David Hilbert
KRIS DAMON
I have been a part of two committees as part of the DKG California Leadership Team. One of the
best parts of serving as part of the leadership team in DKG California is the diversity of women.
We come from different parts of California, have taught at varied levels, and have many skin
colors, ages, cultures, passions, talents, working styles, and personalities. We are all Key Women
Educators. Being part of this team has enhanced my collaboration skills, improved my patience,
exposed me to new thinking, and made me stretch as a leader.
I have taught at the elementary level for over 30 years. I serve the Long Beach Unified School
District stakeholders as Assistant Director of Early Childhood and Expanded Learning
Opportunities in the Office of the Assistant Superintendent of Early Learning and Elementary
Schools. My current work is focused on California's Universal Prekindergarten, transitional
kindergarten, and alignment of birth-third programs in LBUSD.
At home, I am a wife of 27 years, mom to two young women (one a future educator), dog mom to
two rescues, and lover of coffee and PJs on the weekend.
I hope my personal woman's history will be one of kindness, compassion, encouragement, and
empowerment of diverse women educators.
GLORIA BROWN BROOKS
I am a wife, a mother and a grandmother. My loves besides my family are reading, teaching and
mathematics.
I am a member of Zeta Epsilon in Region 5. I enjoy being part of the many activities and the
interactions between members. I love being on the Delta Kappa Gamma state STEP committee.
Having been a member of the Support team for Emerging Professionals (STEP) has helped me to
grow within the organization. For four years we have been a strong presence and will continue to
be such. The camaraderie among both the past and present STEP groups has continued to be
powerful.
Going to the State and International DKG conventions has given me insight into what works with
other chapters and how they are moving forward.
Having been a Civil Rights, Social Justice and Quality Education warrior for over 35 years, I was
moved by the recent YOU TUBE from our International president to support Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion (DEI). Our present state president has also made DEI a priority.
I ran a Math Teachers Circle, I am on two boards and I am the treasurer in Zeta Epsilon.
Midge Seigfried
After retiring as a Middle School Math and Special Ed teacher from Alum Rock School District, I
began mentoring new teachers who were clearing their credentials through Induction. Soon after,
I was introduced to DKG by a fellow mentor. I joined the Gamma Psi Chapter in Area IV.
Since then, I have re-acquainted myself with many Santa Clara County woman leaders in
education. Eventually, I became Membership Chair and Co- President with Toni Cook, our state
President. Gamma Psi proved to be an excellent resource for my mentees. In turn many have
shared their new strategies with our veteran and retired sisters.
Not long ago, Toni Cook asked me if I would be interested in joining the STEP Committee.
Working/sharing with Gloria, Kris and Christina has been a wonderful experience! I have grown as
an educator and as a person. These ladies are SO knowledgeable and supportive! It is a pleasure
to meet with them. I was excited to read about our new generation of educators while reading the
Penne Ferrell applications.
At home, I am a widow of 13 years. I have 2 daughters, one of whom is a High School Athletic
Director, and one son. All three are busy with their own activities and are delighted that I have
such a resourceful group of Friends and Sisters.
Comments
Post a Comment