March is Women's History Month, dating back to 1981, a national celebration of the contributions women have made to the United States. This year, we will be sharing and celebrating some of the women at RPS and their contributions to Rochester Public Schools!
Meet Ramona, a leader, connector, and collaborator with a long history of working throughout the education system. The one-to-one support she offers to students is crucial for their success at school.
Ramona Norwood, Equity Specialist
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
My role as an equity specialist in a middle school begins with me on the Student Support Team (administrators, counselors, social workers, mental health practitioners, etc.). I provide daily one-to-one support to students for their attendance, academics, and social-emotional needs. I conduct restorative circles with students to discuss and respect each other's opinions and deal with facts and assumptions. I am a link for parents and families, connecting them with schools and the community to provide various resources. I work with staff (teachers, ESPs, SNSs, Maintenance, etc.) to build positive relationships with all students in the classroom and throughout the building.
What brings you joy in your role?
Working and building relationships with students. Connecting with student's families to provide resources they may need. Collaborating with the Student Support Team to provide all students with a successful educational and social program.
What do you hope your role in education does to inspire students?
I have been in education for 42 years (32 years in Chicago and 10 years at RPS). I have been a general and special education teacher, administrator, and independent contractor mentoring parents with special needs children. I want to inspire students on the importance of education, encouraging them to complete school to have the job, career, or experiences to be successful in their endeavors. As an educator, I hope to have demonstrated a kind, caring, and supportive role model towards students and their families.
If you could meet any influential women in history, who would it be and why?
Marva Collins would be my choice because she was an educator who began her career in Chicago. Ms. Collins felt Black students in the public school system had mediocre access to the resources that were readily available to white students. In 1975, she took her little pension money of $5,000 and opened her own school called Westside Preparatory School. Ms. Collins set high academic standards, emphasized discipline, and promoted a nurturing environment. Her methodology advocates a core curriculum reiterating phonics, reading, English, math, and classics. Ms. Collins was one of my role models in education because of her determination and dedication to instilling self-worth, self-esteem, and convincing children they are born to succeed.
All of our teachers have their own unique perspectives. Criselda works in our Spanish Immersion program and is able to share her experiences and knowledge of Latino culture and the Spanish Language.
Criselda Martinez, 2nd grade teacher
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
I am a 2nd grade Spanish Immersion teacher.
What brings you joy in your role?
Sharing my experience and knowledge of the Latino culture and Spanish language with my students brings me so much pride and joy.
What are some barriers that you may have faced or that women face today in your role/department/career?
Some of the barriers Latino women face today are the lack of support and increasing disparities that prohibit them from attaining a degree in higher education.
What women have influenced you in your life?
My mother is my greatest inspiration. She has taught me that women can achieve anything through hard work, dedication, and heart. I've carried those lessons throughout my career and personal life.
Nominee for 2023-2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Kim Hill, comes from a long line of educators. Over her career, she has continued to develop and educate herself to help her students. Today, she works to empower our students in the classroom and on the stage.
Kim Hill, 5th grade teacher
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
My daily responsibilities are centered around my fifth-grade students' educational goals and personal/social-emotional needs. We follow the A-F schedule, so each day is different from the day before. Each day, I work in large and small groups and often one-on-one with students to help them reach their goals and develop a growth mindset for their journey. We integrate project-based options for deeper learning and value some independent choices in our learning. The goal is to empower them to see the journey as their own and set goals they can attain.
What are some barriers that you may have faced or that women face today in your role/department/career?
The most significant barrier, in my opinion, is that education is seen as a "pink-collar” occupation. By that, I mean that women are the largest portion of the people working in the educational setting, though not always reflected in leadership roles. Education is a career that requires a high degree of professional training and education. Most teachers I know have a master's degree at minimum, yet we are often criticized for our work. Much of this criticism is, in my opinion, because it is a female-dominated profession.
What women have influenced you in your life?
I have been lucky enough to have many women who have influenced me. My mother influenced me with her tenacity and open heart for all people. She did not complete college as she chose to stay home and raise my sister and me. She then found a second act, working up from a local contributor to a community newspaper to being a news director for several radio stations in Rochester. Additionally, my grandmother influenced me. She was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, and I have her bell from that period on my desk (and still use it at times) to remind me that I come from a long line of educators. Mrs. Rhonda Newton and Mrs. Georgia Young influenced me! They were my third and fourth-grade teachers. They always went above and beyond to support me and my classmates academically and emotionally. Add to that the ever-growing number of female educators and students who touch my life and make me better for it!
What is something you have achieved that you are most proud of?
I went back to school to earn my master's at age 55. I started to help my students in the online forum during the pandemic. Additionally, I am very proud of my high school theatre students, who have had three state festival opportunities in the five years I have directed at Mayo High School. My greatest achievements call me mom, and I couldn't be prouder of my daughter and son!