1. JoAnn Steele
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Science - Education/Math – University of Texas - Edinburg
Graduated Magna cum Laude
CERTIFICATIONS:
Gifted and Talented
ESL - Texas A&M University
Paralegal - Southeastern Paralegal Institute
AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS:
Instructional Excellence Award - David Crockett Middle School - 2013-1014
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2014 to 2016 Substitute Teacher - Grades 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th to Math/Science, ELA, Social
Studies
August 1988 to June 2014 - Math Department Chairperson, taught 6th, 7th, 8th grade Academic
Mathematics, Algebra, Pre-Algebra, Remedial Mathematics, and Science
As the departmental chairperson, I supervised each grade level team and mentored student teachers.
Camaraderie among the team was established during the monthly departmental meetings. During this
time, we collaborated on a variety of topics, which included best classroom practices, and shared
fabulous and not so fabulous lesson presentations. It was our time to discuss our successes and tweak the
skills we needed in order to become better classroom teachers.
The team members worked on preparing and implementing weekly lesson plans, pre- and post-
assessments, unit exams, semester exams, and weekly newsletters. Throughout the time we spent
together, we shared and modeled strategies that improved our organizational skills, how to create an
environment that was a safe, successful and mutually respected. We became aware of how to keep
communication with parents, administrators and students positive.
My departmental responsibility required that I review and recommend relevant teaching material for the
upcoming school year for the Math department, as well as oversee the Math department budget.
The same skills I used as the department chair are the same skills reflected in my teaching style. It was
important that my students felt safe and successful in my classroom.