2010

Sue Ford retiring as EC math teacher After serving almost 30 Ford, whose 29- t u t o r s .

loves to read and work all types of puzzles. She and Darvl have been married since 1967. They haYe two daughters and a son.

years in the classroom, Sue Ford is ready to begin a new phase in her life. Ford, who has spent the last 11 years teaching vari– ous math courses to stu– dents at East Central Community College in Decatur, is retiring effec– tive May 15. Ford. a resident of Hickory, said her top prior– ity in retirement is to spend more time with her family. "My husband (Daryl) and I will now be able to visit our children and grandchildren, who are scattered throughout the Southeast. We will no longer have to miss school performances, Grandparents' Day, etc.," she said. "In adctition, I plan to linger longer over my breakfast. Evmy morn– ing my husband scatters bird seed outside our breakfast room window. We are treated to a smor– gasbord ofwildlife enjoying their breakfast.. ..while we enjoy ours."

year

teaching includes

Calculators that connect to over- head projectors aUow students to sec relationships much more easi- ly. It is easier to u n d e r s t a n d something you

career

stints at Meridian and Newton high College in Newton and a year's sel'\ice in Texas. said her schools, Clarke

first

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thoughts

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becoming a teacher was while she was in the third grade. Ford. who teaches developmental algebra, intermediate algebra. col– lege algebra. trigonometry, linear algebra and comput– er concept at East Central, said her teaching methods have changed over the years due to changes in technology. "When I first began teaching, there were no handheld calculators or desktop computers," she said. "These two inventions have dramatically changed the teaching of mathemat– ics. Computer tutors such as My Math LHb are won– derful aids and very patient

see."

Ford said the technolo– gy - when used appropri– ately - "can greatly enhance learning." "I do not like to see young children relying on calculators !or basic math facts," she stated. "Once the basics are mastered, technology allows the stu– dent to focus on concepts rather than computation." When she is not in the classroom, Ford said her main hobby is heirloom sewing, and noted she has three granddaughters "who enjoy the fruits of my labor." She added, "I have a Christening gown to make for our newest addition, too!" Ford said she also

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