Employment History:

Published Works:

Public Speaking Experience:

Why F is an Expert:
I’ve done reading and math all of my life. This year I participated in a course at the reading academy that helps slow learners – it’s one of the best programs I’ve ever had. I enjoy learning more and more.

Best Advice:
First of all, do not get into the field because you failed at something else. Most people get into education because they didn’t succeed somewhere else and they live their whole lives wishing they were somewhere else. That’s what we don’t need in education; we need people who really want to be there. My second piece of advice is: when someone mentors you, give it back. Don’t just take everything that somebody gives you and never give it back to a new teacher. Sometimes that happens and it’s a sad thing. Always go to school and always be a learner. Always be willing to help other people. When you have something that you can give, give it because someone else can use it.

Passionate about:

Biography Excerpt:
As an instructor in Norris Elementary School’s Early Intervention Program, Geraldine L. Reid posits herself as a mentor, guide and knowledgeable resource for students and teachers. Working primarily with children in the fourth and fifth grades, Ms. Reid brings 32 years of experience to her role and delights in offering reading assistance to children who struggle with comprehension and other basic concepts. She also collaborates diligently with other teachers to sharpen their skills and devise appropriate educational plans for students. Prompted to become involved in her profession by a childhood experience in which she fell behind academically, Ms. Reid is able to sympathize with students and draw from her own wisdom to determine the best courses of action.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What is been your greatest professional accomplishment to date?  
GERALDINE L. REID MA:  I got a chance to go to [the University of] Oxford in England. I was selected in March 2007 to attend a session on special education and regular education. My husband and I went there and spent a week at the college. There were people from all over the world who presented and I got a chance to go into the Rhodes House. I later found out from the lady who took us on the tour that she had not even been in the Rhodes House. This is when I realized how special this honor really was. She said, “Either you’re a scholar or you must be invited into the Rhodes House.” All of our sessions were at the house.

How do you remain current in your profession?
Every five years, of course we have to take classes, but I am just a life learner. I constantly take classes; I’m working on my doctorate in structural education leadership and each year I will continue to go to school. We take staff development and college classes; every five years we renew our certificates.

What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?
Discipline – being able to have children sit down and listen to what we’re trying to say. Another thing is the lack of respect for the teacher. I think those two are the biggest. The third thing that is causing a great problem is vouchers. I see vouchers taking away from the public schools as a way of destroying education for all. Everybody should have the same type of education at the first level. In other words, from kindergarten to 12th grade everyone should have the same sort of education. When you start separating people, putting the “smart” people at these magnet schools, you not only take the smart children away from the schools, but you also you take them away from other children who can learn from them.