Burkina Faso RPCV Cathy L. Seeley elected President of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics



Burkina Faso RPCV Cathy L. Seeley elected President of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

The Prez-elect...
Jan 1, 2004 - Teaching PreK-8
Author(s): Anonymous

Small groups discuss their approach to charting and graphing family statistics as Cathy goes oneon-one (top photo), discusses strategies with Ruth Ologban (middle photo) and brings the whole class back into the discussion (below).

To be president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is unquestionably a monumental honor and in April, 2004, Cathy L. Seeley, currently NCTM's presidentelect, will assume that lofty post.

But, while it is indeed monumental to reach what many would consider the pinnacle in the world of mathematics, others might suggest that Cathy's 1999 decision to volunteer for a two-year stint teaching mathematics in West Africa for the Peace Corps was...well, even more "monumental."

But that is what she did, and her decision tells us lots about the person who is Cathy seeley (words come to mind such as... determined, courageous, thoughtful, compassionate). It also speaks volumes about her commitment to teaching those who need her the most.

Very few individuals, at the height of their careers - whether teachers, accountants, attorneys, professors, engineers, architects or whatever - would make such a courageous and obviously idealistic move.

The Peace Corps? In our minds we picture it as a community of young men and women, probably of college age, deciding that before joining the work force and/or starting a family, they'll commit two or three years of their lives to help make a difference in needy countries all over the world. But...making the move in the midst of one's career? Amazing.

"How do we count a new baby (above) who isn't here yet?" And (left), students use Unifix Cubes(TM) to illustrate (and graph) number of persons in each child's family.

Cathy's three grown daughters, her 77-year old mother (now 81) and two sisters, plus her many friends had, as one might expect, mixed reactions...ranging from, "Burkina Faso, West Africa? Cathy, are you out of your mind?" to "Go for it!"

She welcomes visits to her website, which chronicles her adventures in Africa. Access her website at http://csinburkinafa so.hitspot.net or see "To Dig Deeper" box on page 45.

Cathy Seeley's vita reflects a somewhat peripatetic life (a precursor of things to come?): B.S. in Mathematics from Virginia Polytechnic; an M.A. (Curriculum & Instruction) at the University of Northern Colorado; Doctorate in Teacher Education at the University of Houston.

"As NCTM president," she said, "I hope to arm and inspire teachers and other mathematics educators to develop their own kind of personal leadership - to seek out knowledge about what works, to imagine what is possible, to advocate high-quality mathematics learning for every student.

"And," she concludes, "I hope to encourage mathematics educators to have the courage to play an active professional outreach role that extends beyond their immediate classrooms, institutions or school systems."

(right photo, I. to r.) Ruth Ologban and Cathy Seeley, plus Teaching K-8's Pat Broderick and Alien Raymond, who were deciding where to sit (so they wouldn't get called on in class). And (below), a class photo enthusiastically requested by Ruth's sixth-grade math stars.

Copyright Early Years, Inc. Jan 2004

By Bismark Larbi Davis (adsl14212.4u.com.gh - 41.210.14.212) on Sunday, September 02, 2007 - 11:38 am: Edit Post

I would like to apply for a position as an English/Mathematics Teacher in a reputable institution in Burkina Faso.
Please find attached copies of my CV and cover letters.
I have become particularly interested in the teaching of English and Mathematics to young school children to kill the spirit of the fear of the subjects among the youth and now wish to develop my career in that direction as a lecturer in future.
Currently, I hold a diploma in Senior Secondary Education and a one year tertiary report in mathematics from the University of Ghana. I deferred my course of study because I want to gain extreme experience in teaching mathematics from the junior level to senior level, which I have at the moment scored very high aptitute in the course.
I am not a native English Speaker as required but citizen of a country, Ghana where English is the only language of instruction in all our schools.
I am still interested in the type of job although I do not meet all the requirements but knows very well that I can still make great impacts when my application is considered.
I would therefore welcome the chance to work as part of a small ,dynamic team where I could make significant contribution in the teaching of young mathematicians while developing my skills yet further.
I currently study privately and prepare students for their examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council ( WAEC ) on part-time and private basis.
I also teach my students from the skills I have acquired both from well experienced tutors and researches I make from the internet.
I would be happy to show you photocopies of my original educational
achievements when requested for.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Bismark Larbi Davis.


Curriculum Vitae


Personal Details


Name Bismark Larbi Davis

Address P.O.Box TS 879,
Teshie,Accra.
Ghana.

Telephone 00233208515415 / 0023321714487

E-Mail davisbismark2007@yahoo.com

Nationality Ghanaian

Date of Birth 21st August,1985

Marital status Single

Gender Male

Profile: A very determined,practical, versatile and conscientious person with the ability to learn new skills quickly.
He enjoys and works well as part of a team,yet is equally at ease working on his own credentials.

Education and Training
2004-2005 University of Ghana,Legon, Accra, Bsc( Math/Physics)

2001-2003 Presbyterian Boys` Secondary School, Legon, Accra,SSSCE

2005 Scholastic Aptitude Test ,SAT ,(English and Mathematics),USA,
Score : 1275/1650

2000 Basic IT Concepts,Windows,Word processing,
Ms Excel,Internet and E-mail , Presentation,and Coral Draw.

1996-2000 Teshie Estates Preparatory and Junior Secondary School,BECE

Work History

2002-2004 CAFACAYO Charity Organization,Administrative Assistant.
Behind Caprice ,Kpehe,Accra.
Duties are:developing and maintaining appropriate local filing systems and retrieving relevant material; dealing with telephone calls, greeting visitors, and arranging appropriate catering for meetings, making and delivering beverages where required; dealing with incoming mail and e-mail within agreed parameters but also making judgments on content in order to divert mail to the relevant officer where it does not require the President's personal attention, as well as dealing with routine correspondence on their behalf; acting as the main point of contact with people of all levels for all inquiries, business, and visitors, deciding what action is appropriate in each case, including redirection to other members of the division, or dealing with matters on their own authority. The range of contacts is extremely large, covering many external organizations (often at a very high level).
Closely works with team to provide overall direction, guidance and mentorship to apply
instructional systems design principals to developing and implementing training curricula and training materials. Works with team and extended client training community to develop keen sense of what the end users really need.
Assists in developing training materials (expect technical role to be approx 40% of job time).

2006 SPB Uni-Commerz Ltd,Data Analyst,Trade Fair site,La,Accra,Ghana
Duties: Data collection ,analyzing trade between countries,import and export imbalances.

2007 Directions Consults Ltd, Data Collector, East Legon,Accra,Ghana
Duties:Customer care,counselling ,selling of Nestles` Product to shops,supermarkets,hotels,schools and offices.
Educatimg customers on how to use new products from Nestle`.
Taking stocks and turnover of shops.
Introducing new brands of products.
Serving customers from shops,supermarkets,schools and pharmacies.

2004-2007 Independent International Academy
Duties: Taught Junior High School students math,science and english.
Prepared students for their national examinations for both private and normal students.
Taught Senior High School students pure and core mathematics and english.
Performed various administrative duties in the absence of the Headteacher.
Perfomed secretarial and other administrative duties.



Summary of skills and experience

2002-2003 Head,Planning and Administration ,PRESEC Youth Concern Club
Duties were:undertook a range of ad hoc projects, including researching background information in connection with policy development and other work within the section.
This requires competence in the use of spreadsheets, for which training will be provided, and of Power Point presentations; co-ordinating the departments dealings with central departments such as the School's administrative authorities; other appropriate tasks to assist in the work of Personnel and Administrative Services as requested, including assistance as appropriate with the work of members of the support team in Personnel Services, and ad hoc support to other senior officers in Personnel Services.

2002-2003 Board Member,PRESEC Civic Education, NCCE,Ghana

2001-2003 Member, PRESEC Science Club
Duties: Performed specific duties pertaining to research activities assigned by principal investigator or project leader, or commensurate with educational background and experience, may have independent or supervisory roles in research. May participate in preparation of proposals to funding agencies.
May be responsible for installation and operation of research equipment.
Responsible for evaluation, selection and application of standard techniques of research.
May prepare or assist in writing manuscripts for publication in refereed journals or other technical publications. Performs other duties as required.
The nature of the duties are such that they require knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent exercise of discretion and judgment.
Assigned to specific duties pertaining to research activities by principal investigator or project leader. Responsible for evaluation, selection, and application of standard techniques of routine research. Performs detailed analyses and records observations and measurements. Performs related duties as required.
The nature of the duties are such that they require knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning, are predominantly intellectual and varied in character, and require consistent exercise of discretion and judgment.

2001-2003 Member, PRESEC Agro-Business club.

Interests Reading,computing,gardening and sports.

References (1) Mr.William Baffour-Mensah
Board Member, National Communications Authority,
Ghana Accra.
Tel: +23321764231

(2) Rev. Kojo Nuamah-Mensah
Tel: +233244216483

(3) Mr. Joshua Dadeboe
Math Tutor, TEPS/JSS
Tel: +233242126494


Cover Letters

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the distinct pleasure of having Bismark Larbi Davis as a student
in my mathematics and class for three years at TEPS/JSS.
Bismark has been more than the ideal student. In order to achieve the
highest grades and my deepest respect, he has demonstrated outstanding
leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose.
The academics at TEPS/JSSare most challenging, and Bismark fulfilled
all the requirements with the added challenge of honors and advanced courses.
Bismark is an outstanding extemporaneous mathematician and academician.
Success in these interscholastic activities requires extensive research
and persuasive skills. Bismark also holds the degree of Special Distinction, as
a member of the National Commission for Civic Education.
Due to its nature of metro, state, and national interscholastic competition,
the successful high school mathematics student serves by not only
representing his or her school but also by representing his or her community
as well. One of the requirements in my advanced class is to prepare lectures
and guidance for the beginners. With Bismark`s superior knowledge
and involvement in the political sciences, he developed a strong sense of
confidence with a charming attitude. Therefore, I could always depend on him
to set the best example as an instructor. Because of his natural
leadership abilities, Bismark was selected as our Mathematics Captain.
On account of his mature approach to his responsibilities, I often
thought of Bismark as a colleague.
Since his classmates, my fellow teachers, and I will always hold him in
the highest esteem, I sincerely recommend Bismark Davis as the ideal
candidate for your institution.
Respectfully submitted,
Mr Joshua Dadeboe,
Math Tutor,
TEPS/JSS


To Whom It May Concern:

As the Headmaster of TEPS/JSS, I have had the pleasure of knowing
BISMARK DAVIS for the six years. He has been a tremendous student and an
asset to our school. I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Bismark
for your business assistant.
I feel confident that he will continue to succeed in his prowess.
Bismark is a dedicated student and thus far his grades have been exemplary.
In class, he has proven to be a take-charge person who is able to
successfully develop plans and implement them.
Bismark has also assisted us in our admissions office. He has
successfully demonstrated leadership ability by counseling new and prospective
students.
His advice has been a great help to these students, many of whom have
taken time to share their comments with me regarding his pleasant and encouraging
attitude.
It is for these reasons that I offer high recommendations for Bismark
without reservation.
His drive and abilities will truly be an asset to your establishment.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael Amponsah
Head , TEPS/JSS
P.O.Box TN 930,
Teshie-Nungua Estates.
Accra,Ghana.