Monday, November 30, 2009

Superintendent hires teacher as chief of staff


Superintendent hires teacher as chief of staff

Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent Jonathan P. Raymond
announced today he has hired Dr. Teresa Cummings, a district math teacher and instructional expert, as his chief of staff. Cummings will focus on strategic planning to help improve learning district wide and improving support to schools. She begins work in her new position today.

“Dr. Cummings brings an important teacher perspective as chief of staff as well as a strong commitment to involving parents in the education of their children,” Raymond said. “She has had great success in reaching out to and teaching underserved students. The magic and learning happens in the classroom, and Teresa understands that.”

Since 2004, Cummings has worked at Hiram Johnson High School where she taught Prealgebra, Algebra 1, physical education and California High School Exit Exam preparation. She also has taught at the middle school, community college and university levels and has been a strong supporter and participant in the district’s Parent Teacher Home Visit Program as a teacher.

“I believe in the direction Superintendent Raymond is moving the district—putting children first,” Cummings said. “I wanted to be part of the change.”

Cummings earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University, Chico. She earned her Ph.D. in education from the University of Illinois, Chicago where her doctoral studies emphasized curriculum design for urban youth.

Cummings lives in the district and is married to a district math teacher. She has three children and has served on the Peter Burnett Elementary School site council as a parent.

“Urban school districts become great by teaching themselves to greatness. With the
contributions and dedication of staff like Teresa, we will get there,” Raymond said.


http://www.scusd.edu/Pages/default.aspx