Amazing MEA Members (March 2010)
Maine is blessed to have multi-talented educators whose skills advance the cause of education every day.
Here are three who are using their knowledge and expertise to improve the profession:
Steve DeAngelis of Maranacook Community High School in Readfield was one of 90 panelists chosen to help with the study for setting achievement standards for the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in science for grades four, eight and 12.
The panelists, who were selected from a nationwide pool of nearly 700 nominees, were chosen for their contributions to science instruction and to their communities.
Panelists met in San Antonio with other science experts for four days on tasks related to judging the performance of U.S. students on the NAEP science assessment according to the standards for achievement established by the National Assessment Governing Board.
NAEP periodically tests selected numbers of fourth-, eighth- and 12th-grade U.S. students in various academic subjects. Achievement levels in science are being redeveloped because of recent changes in the NAEP science framework.
Nancy Perkins, a member of the Maine State Board of Education and MEA-Retired, was selected to serve on a year-long National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) study group-Developing Educators for the 21st Century-to examine the skills and knowledge required to teach and lead 21st century schools and administer districts.
NASBE conducts annual studies to provide professional development to members of state boards of education, set organizational direction and priorities, inform the state education policymaking process on key issues, and provide recommendations to state education policymakers and the education community at large.
As a member of the 2010 national task force, Perkins will meet with other state board members, researchers, and policy analysts to examine the complex issues related to ensuring educators have the requisite competencies and adaptability to succeed in preparing students to meet postsecondary expectations for college and careers.
Gloria Noyes of Westbrook, Maine's 2009 Teacher of the Year, wrote an inspirational story for "Chicken Soup of the Soul: Teacher Tales," a new book released in February featuring stories by all 55 state teachers of the year.
In it Noyes answers the question, "Why do you teach?" by saying, "I teach, because it is my passion and it feeds my soul."
Her heart-warming tale explains how she began her journey to teaching in the fourth grade. After moving nine times in eight years, Noyes was blessed by being placed in Mrs. Dutton's classroom - an incredible woman who became her life-long mentor, friend and role model for teaching.
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