Jonathan K. Greene
Major: Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elinor Scheirer
Jonathan Greene has been an educator with Duval County Public Schools
for eight years. He currently teaches eleventh grade American history at
Atlantic Coast High School and has taught eighth-grade history at J.E.B Stuart
Middle School. He has served as the Social Studies Department Chair and
worked with the school’s Professional Leadership Committee. Jonathan has
recently finished his third-year of study in the Doctoral Program in
Educational Leadership at the University of North Florida and is working on
writing his dissertation.
Gregory D. Bostic, principal at J.E.B Stuart Middle School, describes
Jonathan as having, “mastered the art of engaging his students to achieve at
their highest level.” He continues by saying, “He shows compassion and
understanding yet provides rigorous classroom activities to help the students
maximize their potential.”
Along with
strongly embracing a diverse classroom, Jonathan sums up his primary academic
goal as attempting to “ensure all students leave the class with a better
understanding of the subject matter presented that will help them throughout
their academic and professional lives.”
Laura A. Hyde
Major: Master of Education,
Childhood Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nile Stanley
Laura Hydeis a fourth grade
teacher at Kings Trail Elementary, where she is responsible for a culturally
diverse classroom and implements technology as an important learning tool. At
Kings Trail, Laura has volunteered her free time after school to tutor students
in the lowest quartile. She is a member of her school’s leadership team for
Response to Intervention techniques that target the lowest performing students.
Diane Clark, principal at Kings Trail Elementary, states that Laura is a
“consummate professional in all of her dealings.” Linda Dacks, Resident
Clinical Faculty member at UNF said of Laura, “Her limitless time, effort,
compassion and enthusiasm are a true testament to her level of commitment to
the teaching profession.”
One of Laura’s biggest challenges as a teacher is keeping her students
interested in school rather than simply “plugging in” to technology. Laura
believes that, “If technology is a motivation for lower quartile students,
should I not have technology as a tool at my disposal?” By continuing her studies toward a Master’s
Degree in Educational Technology, Laura hopes to gain the expertise needed to
reach every student, even those at risk of failure, by attracting them to learn
through their medium of choice.
Amy L. Smith
Major: Master of Education,
Special Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sarah
Robinson
Amy Smith has been teaching for six years, five of which have been at
Loretto Elementary as a self-contained, communications and social skills
teacher. In her time at Loretto, she has mentored pre-interns and interns; has
written and implemented Positive Behavior Support Plans, Functional Behavior
Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans. Amy has received her K-6
Elementary Education and K-12 Exceptional Student Education certifications and
has earned endorsements for both Autism and English for Speakers of Other
Languages.
Iris Latman, a Loretto faculty member, describes Amy by saying, “Amy has
done an incredible job of creating a meaningful life skills classroom to meet
her student’s specific needs.” Loretto Assistant Principal, Lani Derby also
commented, “If you walk into her classroom, you are immediately struck by all
of the evidence of learning that is taking place.”
As Amy continues her graduate studies, she plans to “put my heart and
soul into working towards this next big step in my life. Learning and understanding behaviors in
individuals with exceptionalities is something I am very passionate about and
feel it is an important part of who they are as an individual.”
Cicely J. Tyson
Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kathe Kasten
Cicely Tyson completed her first three years of teaching in
English/language at her alma mater, Wolfson High School. During those three years, she served in many
leadership roles including Senior Class Advisor, Assistant Student Activities
Director and Graduation Assistant. This school year, Cicely began teaching at
Sandalwood High School. In May 2011,
Cicely completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at UNF.
Wolfson High School Assistant Principal, Aletha Ruffin, says that Cicely
“exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and the leadership ability necessary
to influence others positively. She is a genuine educator in pursuit of making
a difference in the lives of young persons.”
David Garner, Wolfson’s Principal, remarked that “Ms. Tyson clearly
demonstrates to her students how successful one can be by pursuing life-long
education.”
Cicely’s “Master Plan”, as she affectionately refers to her life’s
professional plan, is dedicated to the advancement of education for America’s students.
In her near future, her goals are to be accepted into Duval County’s Aspiring
Leaders Academy, obtain an Assistant Principal position at a local high school
and eventually earn a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership.
Kristin V. Shannon
2011 Outstanding Roddenberry Fellow
Major: Master of Education,
Childhood Education
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Candice
Carter
Kristin Shannon is a fifth-grade science teacher at Chets Creek
Elementary, where she began her career in education as a volunteer in 2001.
Kristin’s first paid teaching job was a part-time music and English position,
which later evolved into a full-time position teaching English. After receiving
her National Board Certification in 2008, she began teaching science classes at
Chets Creek. Kristin recently participated in the summer PROMiSE Science
Institute program in conjunction with the University of Florida and the Duval
County School System and earned her certification in Middle School
Science. By enrolling in a Master’s
Degree program at UNF, Kristin is following her dream of obtaining a graduate
degree while continuing to be an important influence as a teacher.
UNF Associate Professor, Dr. Warren A. Hodge, describes Kristin’s work
as “exemplary.” He also calls her
contributions “superb” and says that “her motivation and willingness to take on
new challenges speak well for her.”
Kristin’s goal is to inspire a love of learning in students and in her
own children. This educator’s passion for learning and teaching are best
reflected in her own words, “Being a life-long learner sets an example that
simple words can never accomplish.” With the Gladys Roddenberry Fellowship,
Kristin hopes to double her class load at UNF and complete her degree within
the next two years.
