Her Story
About Rosemarie
With over two decades of experience in the field of education, I have served as Assistant Principal at the elementary level for 12 years. I am super excited to have the opportunity to make a more direct impact on students as Reading Teacher/Interventionist at the high school level. This exciting opportunity allows me to reconnect with them in a more meaningful way. I'm passionate about improving students reading proficiency, especially given the concerning data showing that students in the United States are struggling to become proficient readers. I also teach part-time at Sylvan Learning Center in Tampa, FL. My goal is to foster a love of reading directly with all students and to help them become proficient readers. Most important, my goal is to provide students with the necessary resources and support to help them graduate to become productive citizens.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rosemarie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say supportive parents, because they're both strong leaders who made significant contributions to society. I was born in Jamaica later became a US citizen. I grew up in Bronx, New York. I left New York when I was young and to attend Howard University and graduated. To further my education, I graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and in 2014 graduated from Walden University with an Education Specialist degree. I have a strong faith in God who leads and directs my path. I have highly respected and honorable leaders in my family. A heartfelt felt thank you to Influential Women for this honorably recognition.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To enjoy and love what you're doing. Because if you don't enjoy and love what you're doing, everything else pales in comparison. Being rewarded and feeling valued is important. What's lacking in the workplace is genuine support and for making people feel that they belong and matter. All educators especially teachers have a heart of gold and should be paid billions for what they do each day. I honor and respect teachers. The words that pop out for me are valued and supported.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to have a deep passion and the heart for teaching at all levels. You know how they say, you have to have a heart - H-E-A-R-T - for what you do, so you can make an impact on students at all levels. If students don't see that you love what you're doing, then they won't love it either.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Definitely salary. They don't pay teachers enough. What's so ironic is that football players and basketball players are paid millions and millions of dollars, but what about paying Teachers millions of dollars. I've never understood why they can't pay teachers millions of dollars like the athletes, and we're the ones who they have to go through for education. That's ironic, isn't it? It's sad. I've always wondered that, and if I could be on some type of platform to change the mindset of whomever, that they need to pay teachers much, much more as they pay these athletes you'll find more teachers staying in education than leaving.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are to be kind and respectful, because in society today, it's a shame to say, but it seems that we've lost touch with being respectful and kind to others. We've become impatient and selfish. I'm a firm believer in giving back to the community and service, because basically, that's why we are all here - to serve others, and to be kind, and most importantly, especially for our young people these days, to be respectful. My mindset is to protect my peace and to maintain good health.
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