Amelia
Jarret Dortch had realized her goal… and then exceeded it.
For 10 years, she dutifully fulfilled the responsibilities of
Northwestern High School’s social studies department head – a position she
had often dreamt of having as a young teacher in Detroit’s public schools.
Nowadays, though, the 37-year Detroit school veteran spends her days in
an even higher administrative position – curriculum leader.
A
Tennessee native, Dortch grew up on a farm, where she, her 12 siblings and
parents were sharecroppers.
"I
was blessed to have loving parents and family," says Dortch.
Although
neither of Dortch’s parents attended high school, both were interested in
their children receiving an education. Consequently,
Dortch attended both Macedonia Elementary School and Carver High School.
In
September 1961, Dortch began her studies at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial
State University. She graduated in
1965 with a bachelor’s degree in history.
Following
graduation, Dortch moved to Michigan and accepted a position as a resource
teacher in the Detroit Public School system.
The job required her to report daily to Jackson Middle School to
substitute in the absence of full-time teachers.
Two
weeks later, Dortch was assigned to Butzel Middle School, where she received a
permanent teaching position.
In
the five years that followed, Dortch married, graduated from Wayne State
University with a master’s degree in secondary education and gave birth to a
son.
Dortch
requested a leave of absence to be with her family. However, before her son’s birth, she chose to substitute
again. Her experience teaching
children in nearly all grades from high school to elementary school proved to be
valuable. It was at this point, she
says, that she realized her goal was to become a department head.
Dortch
soon returned to work, and, in 1979, she had the opportunity to transfer to
Redford High School. Her
department heads there allowed her to attend regular department head meetings,
as well as various workshops and seminars.
Eleven
years later, in October 1990, she achieved her dream.
Dortch was promoted to social studies department head at Northwestern
High School. She was hired into the position following review by an interview
panel consisting of the teachers of the social studies department, a parent, a
student and two other teachers from the school.
In
2000, Dortch’s title was changed from department head to curriculum leader for
the social studies department. The position requires her to supervise seven
teachers and one technician. Because
one of the teachers is blind, it is necessary to have assistance from that
technician daily.
Dortch
now also serves as curriculum staff coordinator for Northwestern High School.
A typical day as curriculum coordinator consists of observing and
evaluating teachers, teaching classes when there is no substitute teacher,
counseling students, organizing school professional development activities,
providing necessary supplies and assisting teachers with core curriculum.
She says she would like to remain curriculum coordinator until she retires.