I reserve Mondays to recognize jet-setting women who are making great strides in their communities. I call these features "Madam Mondays!"
This Monday we ask,
Who is Danny Greene?
Ms. Greene delivering a speech during The College of William & Mary's 2012 Commencement
Contact information: dgreene3@richmond.k12.va.us
"Teach for Change." This future Secretary of Education has dedicated her life to helping students thrive within the classroom, and ultimately in the world, with those three words in mind.
Born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Glen Allen, Virginia, this teacher, coach, tutor, nanny, mentor, athlete, sister, daughter, country music lover, certified superwoman, and good friend of mine is making a dynamic change within the Richmond Public Schools system of Virginia. Ms. Greene believes it is important that all children receive a great quality of education and have mentors within their community to look up to. "We cannot expect our youth to figure it out on their own, we must show them the way by being the change and showing them change ourselves."
Ms. Greene starts her teaching day at Lucille Murray Brown Middle School at around 7:55 a.m. Her teaching day is followed by tutoring from 3:00pm - 4:30pm, and she ends her day coaching high school track & field in the evenings. Soon she'll be adding a "volleyball coach" notch to her belt.
Ms. Greene with her Hermitage High School track & field students.
Contact information: dgreene3@richmond.k12.va.us
What keeps this 7th grade, social studies teacher motivated in the midst of such a demanding schedule? Her passion to see her kids succeed.
"I love my students, and when I see them thriving in our classroom it fills my heart to the brim. All too often, I'm asked when I'm going to get a 'real paying job,' but what I get every day is worth more than money... I'm proud of my decision to follow my heart and not my wallet." Her passion for helping inner city youth is so refreshing and absolutely praiseworthy.
In a field with little chance of recognition, no glamor, and a lack of resources or rest, Ms. Greene admonishes future educators to make sure that they are ready for the journey.
"Being an educator is not an accomplishment that you are awarded and then you stagnate; it is forever a journey. Spend time in and around the communities where you want to teach...My students have too many people who quit on them every day, be sure that you won't be one of those quitters."
Ms. Greene often enjoys time with her younger brothers; Bradley Greene & Benjamin Greene
Contact information: dgreene3@richmond.k12.va.us
In her "spare time," Ms. Greene is an avid reader. She enjoys fantasy children's books, historical realistic fiction, and informational books featuring racial theory. If she's not reading, Ms. Greene is serving as a nanny, spending time with her loving, younger brothers, or playing some sort of sport.
How does she balance it all? "One day at a time," she says. "There are some days when I just can't find a good balance, and there are weeks where I feel like it's all falling apart. However, I try to remind myself that joy comes in the morning, take a step back from it all, and pray that God gives me strength to find the balance that I need."
Ms. Greene on field trip duty with her lively students.
Contact information: dgreene3@richmond.k12.va.us