Expertise:
Ms. Dever's expertise is in elementary education.
Hobbies/Sports:
Gardening, Reading, Watching Old Movies, Spending Time with her Grandchildren, Writing, Doodling
Education Degrees:
Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies, Utah State University
Affiliations Awards:
National Association for Gifted Children; NMA; NRA
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
I was born the second of eight children to regal, yet modest parents. My mother was always a homemaker and raised her children with high expectations, standards, and hopes. We were taught the value of hard, honest work. We were taught to know and love and reverence God. These important attributes are well ingrained within me.
Wanting to follow in my mother's footsteps, I did not aspire to a career. I did, however, love school and like a sponge thirstily drank in from every teacher, book, and media that was available. If it was not the best score, it wasn't good enough. A lesson I had to learn was there were many others far more gifted with intelligent than I. I was willing to put in lots of work to achieve, but others were better equipped to know more. My first honor in education was when I was nominated as a Sterling Scholar in Social Studies my Senior year.
The next phase of my life was as a wife, homemaker, and mother. I enjoyed my children so much and the things they taught me are invaluable as most mothers know. I lived life for my family for many years, but a strong yearning to return to school and supplement my family income grew within me. Because of my position in family and society, it took several years to accomplish my goal. But I did it, enjoying the times of being on the Dean's list for achieving straight A's a few quarters, also. Highlights of my life are from the accomplishments of my children, the joy, the love, and the challenges that growing up and sharing together have brought. I have four fabulous children who have selected four fantastic mates and given to me nine beautiful grandchildren that delight my heart each day. And so, life goes on, and I am thrilled to be a part of so many lives entwined with mine.
I have been truly blessed to sit amongst greatness within my classrooms. Getting to know and welcoming into my world hundreds of young people with different faces, unique personalities, and a host of talents and gifts. I would not trade one of my students, for each has touched my heart and made me a better person by knowing them even for a short few months.
I have been privileged to take courses from some remarkable individuals who have help me to continue to better my teaching. I took courses for a gifted and talented endorsement, but never followed through to leave the regular class. I have implemented many of the techniques taught and it certainly helped in differentiating my teaching. I am ESL endorsed which affords me the opportunity to work with non-English speaking students. My greatest adventure was with a young man from Norway. He could not speak a word of English coming into my classroom, but left giving a county report in English without any assistance at all. He demonstrated ownership of his work. I have had opportunity to attend conferences from Science, Reading, Gifted, Art, Physical Education, Social Studies, and Math. What a tremendous experience to learn from our peers. I am but a cog in this great work.
My alone time includes writing stories and poetry, doodling pictures no one will see, putting puzzles together and using them to decorate my home, reading, sewing, quilting, and cleaning.
My husband and companion is Charles Dever, a retired Master SGT from the Air Force, and presently, he drives an eighteen wheeler for May Trucking Company. He is so supportive and loves to help when he can in our classroom. We compliment each other
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Success is measured in many ways. One measurement of achievement is to have former
students, or their parents, come to me in chance meetings and expounded upon the accomplishments of their children. The success stories are many. Former students who are making a difference in our communities. Some are working toward greater heights in education. Some are wonderful mothers and fathers of our next generation. Some have achieved honor roll status due to a love for learning. Some are representing peers as Student Body Leaders or representatives at math bowls, history fairs, science awards, and so forth. Whenever I see the twinkle of enlightenment in my students' eyes as they realize true understanding, that's a payday. But above all is the knowledge that my own children have all sought to gain greater educational experiences and received their degrees in various fields. All of them are in service to their fellow man.
Expanded Biography:
"Wanting what you have, not having what you want" brings me the greatest happiness. I have yet to have the perfect class along with all other educators, but it is in the challenges that I have found my strengths, the students' strengths and the love that it takes to reach that understanding. "Life, love, and laughter"--three simple words that can change the atmosphere of our classrooms, and that room in our heads that we retreat when needed. I am capable of reaching my students by allowing them to see my vulnerabilities. This is not a planned activity at my age, but rather a way to laugh with the students at my foibles and to find humor even before humiliation. I love what I teach and my enthusiasm is in direct correlation with what my students learn. I try to make learning palatable. Often I share fun mnemonic devices, tricks of the trade which includes the proper way to teach a concept, and include life learning skills that will help them in the future. Ownership of their knowledge is something I expound upon. When a student truly learns something like multiplication facts or recognizing an adjective, knowing the western states or region and cultures of Native Americans, the scientific process or signs of animal tracks, then they can celebrate ownership and place this knowledge into long-term memory far more important than the next exam.
Behind the closed door, I am aware that what transpires is an unwritten contract between the students, God, and me. My utmost stewardship is to be accountable for His spirit children and to not do anything, say any unkind words, or in anyway hurt or diminish the students' greatness. I say this with conviction. For as time would have it, in the past few years, my class scores at end of level, have dwindled. Students' pre and post test scores have shown progress, but not as a unit. When confronted with this fact I felt very let down, a failure, but to whom? My students, my God, or me? It was at that point that I chose to truly learn the needs of my students, cut-out any frivolous work and teach with greater depth and understanding. I still have fun. Allowing the students to learn with pacing, I try not to overwhelm, but offer help in short, frequent, and diversified reviews. We shall see the outcome over time.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career is educating students by helping them overcome challenges and recognize their strengths.
Charity:
Davis Schools Foundation; American Heart Association; Volunteer, Breast Cancer Causes; The Boy Scouts of America; Local Church
Number Of Years In Profession:
26
Number Of Years In Current Position:
5
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her love for her profession and ability to motivate children to learn.