A Teacher's Touch:: Reaching Beyond Boundaries - Softcover

Edwards Sr., EdD. Lonnie J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0759620946 ISBN 13: 9780759620940

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2002

Synopsis

The year was 1971. Nancy Johnson met Lonnie Edwards.For Nancy, a white fifth-grade student, the limitations were physical and emotional. Nubs in the place of fingers hindered activities, lowered self-confidence, and made her the object of ridicule by classmates.For Lonnie Edwards, a first-year Physical Education teacher, the limitations were social. Unrealistic expectations for a novice teacher and a curriculum that didn't allow much creativity added to the challenges presented by being the first black male teacher in a predominately white school in the South.Though differentiated by age, race, gender, and roles, Lonnie and Nancy possessed the same spirit and courage.While Lonnie demonstrated a square dancing maneuver with Nancy, requiring their hands to touch, a life-changing interaction occurred. 'Mr. Edwards' seized the opportunity to teach all of his students not to be afraid of limits imposed by physical or social stigmas. He taught them to reach beyond the boundaries.More than twenty-five years later, Nancy Johnson Miller and Dr. Lonnie Edwards prove how far reaching a teacher's touch can extend.

About this title

About the Author:

Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards Sr. is an experienced educator, an effective workshop presenter, and a nationally known motivational speaker. As an Assistant Superintendent with the DeKalb County School System, one of the largest public educational systems in the State of Georgia, he serves as the Executive Director for Elementary Administration. In this capacity, his organization supports 83 schools. Dr. Edwards is also the President of Lonnie Edwards & Associates, Inc a professional development firm comprised of individuals who specialize in motivational speaking, organizational training, and consulting.Born and reared on his family's farm in rural Mississippi, Dr. Edwards attended Coahoma Junior College, a two-year, predominately Black college in Mississippi and completed his undergraduate degree at Montevallo University, a predominately White college in Alabama. At Montevallo, he was the first Black male athlete recruited and admitted to the school. Dr. Edwards graduated with honors and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame at both institutions.After his chance for a professional basketball career ended prematurely, Dr. Edwards changed his career goals and decided to become an educator. To develop his teaching skills and to enhance his chances for career advancement, he earned two Masters Degrees (from the University of Montevallo) and a Doctorate Degree (from Clark/Atlanta University). Dr. Edwards has now been with the DeKalb School System for thirty years, quickly moving up 'the career ladder' to his present position.In 1996, Dr. Edwards was featured on the Sally Jessy Raphael Show for making a significant difference in a former student's life that was born with a physical disability. Nancy Johnson Miller was born with little vestiges of fingers, mostly little 'nubs' and kept them hidden from teachers and students by carrying a towel over her hands at all times. At the time of their initial meeting, Dr. Edwards was a first-year physical education teacher at the

Synopsis:

Nancy, had nubs in the place of fingers Lonnie, the first black male teacher in a southern, white school uses school lesson to teach students to reach beyond the boundaries of physical and social stigmas.

About this edition

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0759620946
• ISBN 13: 9780759620940
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 136