Cohort One

The following teachers belonged to Cohort One of the TechMath Project.

Ann Atkinson

Ruth Bek: Ruth Bek is a self-proclaimed 'life-long learner'. Her most recent stint at that is learning from her classes of students at Northampton County High School West. However her road to teaching has not been a direct one. Before taking a job with Virginia Power (now Dominion Power), Ruth received an AS Engineering Degree from Tidewater Community College in 1985. She worked for 10 years as a Project Designer with the firm and then earned an AAS in Architectural Technology from Roanoke Chowan Community College. After that she began tutoring students in physics and statistics, and ended up teaching in the Architectural Technology program at RCCC. Ruth's most recent degree is a BS in Industrial Technology from ECU in 2005. Thinking she would substitute teach for a while before looking for a job, Ruth was persuaded by the folks at Northampton County West to take the challenge and rewards of full-time teaching in their Mathematics Department. Ruth believes that learning is enhanced when you teach to someone else. Because of this, she requires collective problem solving where the students can learn from each other, as well as learn from themselves as they present their ideas to their classmates.

Sanjay Chaudhary: Sanjay's homeland is India. He came to the United States as a mathematics teacher with a cultural exchange program, and is beginning his second year in the classroom at Northampton County High School West. Sanjay graduated from Punjab University in Chandigarh, India with a triple major in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He then finished a bachelors degree in education from the same university. Sanjay's take on his TechMath experience: "The TechMath project has given more teeth to my teaching skills and I also feel more techno-savvy now. My goal is to prepare my students with 21st century skills and get them ready for decent and challenging careers."

Linette Hewlin: Linette Hewlin is a teacher at Northwest Halifax High school in Littleton, NC. She received her BS in Secondary Math Education from NC Wesleyan College and her Master of School Administration from East Carolina University. Linette is also a National Board Certified teacher in AYA Mathematics. Linette believes that all students can learn given the right mix of instruction- "Mathematics must be real and presented in a meaningful way." Linette enjoys being a teacher and looks forward to continuing the journey of being a life-long learner.

Antonio Higgs

Shirley Johnson: Shirley W. Johnson lives in Scotland Neck, NC. She received her degree (BS) from Fayetteville State University. Her teaching career has spanned 29 years and all of those have been spent educating the students coming through the Weldon City Schools System. As a seventh grader, Shirley set her goal to become an educator. Retirement is on the horizon, but the pleasure of being in the classroom keeps those thoughts at bay...most of the time. In addition to working on the TechMath Project, Shirley was selected and trained as a Middle School Math Trainer for Teacher Academy. In her 29 years, she have served as NHS Advisor, SGA Advisor, NC-PIMS Lead Teacher (9-12), and Cheerleader Coach. Shirley currently serves as a Department Chair, Mentor, and Support Coach for Beginning teachers. Another source of pride for her is her daughter, Cassandra, and two grandsons, Joshua, age 10 and Caleb, age 4.

Dozine Jones

Enessia Jones: Enessia Jones is an Algebra and Geometry teacher at Warren County High School in Warrenton, NC. She received her teaching degree in Mathmatics Secondary Education from North Carolina Central University. Prior to becoming a teacher, Enessia worked in software testing using her degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University. One of her motivations for going into the classroom is to encourage students to pursue careers which they might not otherwise think about. Enessia herself was inspired by her 9th grade math teacher to pursue an engineering degree.

Laikhe Jones: Dr. Laikhe Jones currently teaches Algebra I and Foundations of Math at Warren County High School in Warrenton, North Carolina. She is active in her school and serves on the SACS Accreditation Team, Grant Writing Team, and the Freshmen First Academy. Dr. Jones has taught in Warren County for 3 years and has also taught 2 years at the University level. Her educational background includes agricultural education and math. Her research interests include innovative strategies to teach math to diverse populations.

Caitlin Kalke

Sandra Lynch

Roderick Portales

Wayne Williams

Adoracion Yumul: Adoracion Yumul is originally from the "Pearl of Orient Seas" - the Philippines. She graduated from Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City, Philippines, with a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, major in Mathematics. Adoracion taught Algebra and English for nine years before coming to Halifax County Schools in 2006. Adoracion now teaches Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, and Calculus. Ms. Yumul says "It's quite challenging yet very rewarding being in the teaching force. I teach because I know in doing so, I touch the future. I love working with young people. My purpose is to put myself in the shoes of those who find learning difficult."