Education graduates rank with top teachers in state

Once students in the IU School of Education, 1999 graduate Stacy McCormack and 2005 graduate Jamil Odom are now receiving celebrated recognition for their successes in the field of education. McCormack was named the 2011 Teacher of the Year in the state of Indiana, while Odom was named the runner-up.

“I knew when I was six years old that I wanted to be a teacher,” McCormack said. “I knew it would be difficult and demanding, and it is, but when it’s your calling, you simply do what you have to do in order to be successful. I believe wholeheartedly that I’m living my destiny by being a teacher.”

A graduate of Penn High School in Mishawaka, Ind., McCormack received an undergraduate degree in chemistry education from IU.

She now teaches physics at her alma mater, where she tries to dispel the common horror most students feel when they see “physics” on their class schedule.

“Just because someone has determined a subject to be difficult does not mean that you can’t work hard and grasp it. Don’t back away from something that you’ve been told you can’t handle,” McCormack said. “Try it, work hard, and prove people wrong.”

Before she started teaching the subject, she was just another Hoosier participating in an hours-long snowball fight in front of McNutt Quad or cursing the fire alarm that went off in the middle of the night during her first college finals week.

“I always experienced tremendous personal growth in Bloomington. It’s a city and a campus filled with people that inspire you, challenge you and support you,” she said.

Like McCormack, Odom also recalled fond memories of Bloomington.

“The camaraderie of Hoosier fans during football and basketball games is second to none, and even when I attend now, I still get an added rush of excitement,” he said.

Odom now teaches third grade at Mary Bryan Elementary School in Indianapolis.

However, unlike McCormack, Odom was never sure of his future in education.

“I initially majored in journalism and did utilize that degree upon graduation,” he said. “I backed away from teaching because I thought I wouldn’t be good enough, and that was the last thing I wanted to do was be a poor teacher.”

Following graduation from his undergraduate program, Odom said he knew he wanted a master’s degree in education. He received a Master of Science degree in elementary education in 2005.

Five years later, Odom said he is shocked and honored at his award.

“It still feels like a never-ending dream,” he said. “I never pursued a teaching career for
accolades or acclaim, but to know that others in this field applaud my work is such an honor for which I am extremely grateful.”

As both McCormack and Odom reflected on their past leading up to their education prestige, both commented on the ongoing process of education.

“When you stop learning, you stop growing. It works like an investment. When you stop putting effort in, you stop gaining from that knowledge,” McCormack said.

For future teachers, McCormack said the job of an educator is tough but gratifying.

“You are entering into one of the most demanding and rewarding careers that you could pursue,” she said.

Odom also called learning a continuing process. As a teacher, education is obviously integral to Odom’s life, but he insisted it should be the same for everyone.

“I believe life stops when you stop pursuing new ideas, interests and passions,” he said.