Meet the Participants, Week 2
Anita Anderson Cooper
About Anita: I am a teacher, musician and composer from Amherst, MA and teach at Baird Middle School. I've written historically based music using actual speeches and quotes from people involved in the Civil Rights Movement and Women's Suffrage, but lately I've been writing lighter music about fun family stories, school events, and memories. I live with my son, Patrik, partner, David, and our dog, Joey.
Lisa Bondy
About Lisa: Currently, I teach 7th grade at Powdersville Middle, part of Anderson District One, and work as a part-time South Carolina History subject matter expert for the SC Dept of Education. Previously, I worked for Greenville County as a classroom teacher for 12 years and as a curriculum writer. My goal is for all my students to understand, think, and be intellectually courageous.
Janet Burks
About Janet: I have taught grades 5th and 6th for most of my teaching career. I was also an elementary school guidance counselor for 11 years. I love to learn new things and meet new people.
Jocelyn Chiu
About Jocelyn: Jocelyn teaches fifth grade at a school in Manhattan. She works in an ICT setting and teaches the major subject areas, including content studies. She is originally from Southern California and enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new foods.
Judy Doyle
About Judy: Originally from the Chicago area, I currently reside in Mankato, MN, a thriving college community. After spending many years teaching social studies and ELA to middle and high schoolers, I currently work as a reading specialist, assisting students who are struggling to attain grade-level proficiency. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
Patricia Gotberg
About Patricia: Patricia Gotberg has spent the last 34 years designing awesome lessons and activities for elementary students. Teaching American history is her favorite subject. Outside of the school, she loves to travel, watch her daughter play basketball, fish and sew.
Liese Hearth
About Liese: I am a Junior High Art teacher in Darien Illinois and have been teaching for twenty-two years. I love to travel and learn about the history and cultures of the world.
MJ Hoffman
About MJ: I am an Art Specialist for grades K - 8 in which I incorporate science, history, writing, and geography. This is my second career - for many years I was a teacher consultant for deaf, blind, and health impaired. In my spare time I like to be outdoors, spend time with family, and read.
Elizabeth Koperwhats
About Elizabeth: I have taught English for 16 years: 10 years in Connecticut and 6 years in South Carolina. I have taught 8th-12th grade, and I even was a newspaper advisor, although I enjoy the extra time not being an advisor gives me.
Rachel Lane
About Rachel: Rachel Lane is a public historian with experience in cataloging, editing, and oral history. She holds a BA in history and Spanish from Hillsdale College and an MA in history with an emphasis in public history from Norwich University. A former high school history and humanities teacher, Rachel began working with oral histories to preserve the memories of World War II veterans like her grandfather and currently works as a program associate in the Center for Oral History at the Science History Institute.
Tim Lipsey
About Tim: From the textile town of Gaffney. Have been teaching middle and high school for 2 years at a private school.
Suzie MacKay
About Suzie: I am a 30+ year veteran teacher of English, History, and French. Born and raised in California, but now a happy resident of Auburn, AL. My husband and I raised 4 young men and a few dogs.
Noelle Mauri
About Noelle: I’m from South Jordan, Utah and teach 5th grade. I love learning about and teaching American history. I have four children and I love to travel and meet new people.
Theresa Mengerink
About Theresa: Theresa Mengerink, social studies teacher finishing year 35. Past president and executive director of the Ohio Council for the Social Studies. Currently focusing on developing local history curriculum for the Van Wert County Historical Society. Mother of three, grandmother of one.
Patty Nelson
About Patty: I teach 7th grade U.S. History at Northeast Middle School in Minneapolis, MN. I am looking forward to work with colleagues that share a passion for history and adventure!
Michelle Pope
About Michelle: Michelle Pope teaches AP US History, AP US Government, and History Through Film in upstate South Carolina. In her 25+ years as a public school educator, she has served as a librarian and classroom teacher in grades 7-12. She has long been interested in the history of the southern textile industry as her great-grandparents were among those who made the move from farm to factory. Michelle enjoys traveling, reading, exploring the mountains and waterfalls of the Carolinas, and genealogy.
Felecia Scott
About Felecia: My name is Felecia T Scott. I have been married for 17 years. I have taught at Marion High for 11 years. I have two pet turtles.
Eileen White
About Eileen: I just completed my 20th year of teaching at a suburban high school outside of Boston. I teach two different American history survey classes and coach the girls tennis team at school.
Lisa Woodruff
About Lisa: Lisa is a middle school honors social studies and history teacher. She also coaches her school's award winning academic team. In her spare time, Lisa loves reading, hiking and traveling. Her goal is to visit ALL of the US National Parks!
At A Glance
