08/09/15

Un poco acerca de mí

A little about me

A Circle of Friends

We've joined together as
classmates as the new year begins...
A year full of learning while we
become friends.  We'll share and be
kind as we work and play.  And our
friendship will grow with each
passing day.

(author unknown)

Greetings:

I am Dr. Sherida Hickman, a  Spanish teacher at Drew-Freeman Middle School. I am the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Henry A. Long, and a graduate of Garfield High School in Hamilton, Ohio.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Fisk University, a Masters of Arts in Latin American History from Northeastern Illinois University, I have 90 hours towards a PhD in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University, and an Ed.D. degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. 

I started teaching in 1971, at North Chicago Community High School in North Chicago, Illinois where I taught Spanish, English and History. I took a group of students to Spain, served as freshmen and sophomore class sponsor, directed the Junior Prom Assembly, and sponsored a peer-counseling group. I organized an after school youth program for 15-17 year olds and directed the North Chicago Community Afro-American Chorus made up of 85 concerned young Afro-American students who desired to learn more about their culture through music.

I got married and moved to Atlanta, Ga. I lived there for 21 years. I have two sons, two granddaughters, and one grandson. My oldest son served in Iraq and is enrolled in his second year at Georgia State University, and has started his own Real Estate business. My youngest son is a graduate of Georgia State University. He has his Masters in Business Administration and is presently working on his Doctorate at the University of Phoenix.

I decided that I missed the small town life so I moved back home to Hamilton, Ohio. I was glad to be back. I taught Spanish in the Hamilton City School District for three years. I implemented an online program that enhanced the learning environment by improving parent and student communications, and provided more effective ways to access student learning. I taught seven years in the Mt. Healthy School District, Cincinnati, Ohio, one year at Cardozo Senior High School, Washington, DC, and two years at Suitland High School.

I participated in the band, orchestra, chorus, high school and college Debate Team, Girl Scouts, and taught music in Vacation Bible School. I also was the President of the Board of Directors of the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Hamilton, Ohio. I teach piano, organ and voice and played piano and organ for my church. I am an accomplished musician:  piano, organ, clarinet, violin and singing. I am motivated to help my students excel, goal oriented, and self-disciplined.

I have coached cheerleading, conducted after school study and tutoring sessions, and I have been the advisor for the National Junior Honor Society. I was the building representative for the Hamilton Classroom Teacher's Association. I have my own gift basket business, I am a registered Bridal Consultant and I love music, being creative, using technology in the classroom, and traveling. I have traveled extensively to Germany, Holland, Mexico, Spain, Africa, England, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Greece.

I love teaching and truly believe it is exciting, extremely rewarding and powerful. I believe that joining the staff here at Drew-Freeman Middle School will be a rewarding experience and I look forward to interacting with all of you during the school year.

Doctora Hickman