Opelika Teachers Named Best in the State, Nation

Article from the Keystone Magazine, Auburn University College of Education
Volume 3, 2006

Equvia Rhodes ’03 and Denise Dark ’82 have a few things in common. They both work just miles away from Auburn University in the Opelika City Schools system. While Rhodes teaches middle school mathematics and Dark is a kindergarten teacher, both currently work with the college’s TEAM-Math program---and both have brought distinction to their school system for teaching methods considered among the best in their fields.

Rhodes, who completed her education specialist in 2003, represented Opelika Middle School as she was selected as the 2005-2006 Alabama secondary teacher of the year and alternate teacher of the year. In being considered, Rhodes said teachers were evaluated on their teaching philosophies and their contributions to education. The candidates further discussed these topics in essays and interviews.

She noted the state honor has given her a chance to meet other teachers and advance the teaching profession.

“I’m very humbled by the fact that I’ve been awarded this honor---there are so other great teachers out there who are so deserving,” she said. “It’s also given me the chance to promote the teaching profession. We’re the profession that makes all professions possible.”

In addition to advancing the profession, Rhodes has focused on enhancing mathematics education, increasing testing scores and collaborating with inclusion students. Her efforts to represent the profession in Alabama have included many presentations to teachers and community organizations, as well as meetings with the governor and education administrators.

In addition to working with the college’s TEAM-Math program as a school leader, team presenter and member of curriculum development and professional development committees, Rhodes is also pursuing a doctorate in secondary mathematics education.

Dark ’82, a kindergarten teacher at Jeter Primary School, received the 2005 Outstanding Early Childhood Practitioner award from the National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators and Delmar Publishers. The award recognizes meritorious leadership and professionalism in early childhood education through demonstrated excellence in teaching practice and through contributing---as a classroom practitioner---in an outstanding manner to teacher education

Dark is a two-time graduate of the college, having first earned a bachelor’s in early childhood education, and completing a master’s in 1985. Nationally board certified since 1999, Dark, who has taught kindergarten for 24 years---the last two at Jeter---was nominated for this award by retired faculty member Dr. Janet Taylor. Dark said wards like this “recognize what is valued as good teaching practices.”

“I believe very strongly in developmentally appropriate curricula and practices---a teacher planning lessons that meet students’ diverse needs,” she said. “[Teachers have] to know students’ levels of understanding in particular areas---and plan lessons with open-ended possibilities so children can work on them in their own ways. You also provide students with choices of activities.”

Her work in education has enabled Dark to serve as a consultant, presenter and teacher leader for the TEAM-Math program. She leverages this to creatively integrate mathematics with other curricula areas in her classroom.

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