Today we’re sharing a Q&A from AmeriCorps Mississippi with one of our all-star Reading Tutors, Rochelle! Before joining Reading Corps as a tutor, Rochelle had an incredible, 25-year career in education as an English instructor. Now retired, she’s thrilled to be able to focus on her creative pursuits and even published a nonfiction children’s book! Even in retirement, Rochelle has made an effort to keep supporting students through Reading Corps. Read all about her background and future plans in the Q&A below!
You don’t need to be a teacher like Rochelle to thrive as tutor: Make a difference on behalf of students in your community today, learn how at join.readingandmath.org.
Can you provide a brief overview of your career path?
I’m a retired junior college English instructor. I taught in K-12 for ten years and at Jones College in Ellisville, Mississippi for 15 years. I retired in 2022 and began my writing career.
What are some key milestones in your professional and personal life?
I received my master’s in education with an emphasis in English from William Carey University in 2003, I was Jones College’s Instructor of the Year in 2011, and I was inducted into the William Carey Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021. Also, I was chapter president for the Mississippi Association for Developmental Education in 2019.
What advice would you give to a potential AmeriCorps member?
Take your position to heart and understand that we’re helping future generations be successful, which is such a tremendous endeavor.
Are there any projects you are currently working on?
Recently, I completed my goal of self-publishing a non-fiction picture book biography of my husband’s grandfather, Vernon Dahmer Sr., a civil rights activist in the 1950’s and 60’s.
How are you planning to use your Segal Education Award?
Last year, I gave a portion to my daughter for her student loans: she’s a nurse. In 2025, I will give my son a portion for his student loans: he’s an ophthalmologist-in-training. The portion I keep is for my continuing education for my writing and creative living life.
What are your plans after AmeriCorps?
As a multi-genre writer, I plan on continuing my writing journey. However, I’m really going to focus on my inspirational romance writing career. This is a dream I’ve had for years.