National Board Certificated Teachers

Looking around Dr. Dorman’s classroom, one of the things that draws the eye is a bit of wall décor that says, “Well behaved women seldom make history”. The seemingly cheeky statement as a cultural phenomenon speaks to one of Dr. Dorman’s specialties, history. Specifically, it speaks to the women written in history, often for wanting to achieve a dream or walk their own path. Dr. Dorman is often fond of reminding students, in her subdued southern accent, to, “Write your own story”. While it’s sage advice, it’s also something of a personal mantra that has been demonstrated by her own personal story. 

While the Ph.D. attached to her name is a clear sign that Dr. Dorman is no stranger to challenging work and is dedicated to her craft, it still wasn’t enough. The mountain she decided she wanted to climb next was none other than what many consider to be the Mt. Everest of education, National Board Certification. Being one of the most grueling things education professionals can aspire to do in their careers, uttering its name is enough to make hairs on the nape stand on end. It is a process which will test a person’s patience and nerves. Applicants often must wait, sometimes as much as six months, just to find out if their eight months or more of work has paid off. Nevertheless, Dr. Dorman faced this challenge head on. The harrowing venture left its mark but not in the way that one might imagine. In speaking to Dr. Dorman, while the process was tumultuous at times it was at the same time inspiring, and it shows.

Sitting in on one of Dr. Dorman’s classes is a treat, something between listening to stories by a campfire and taking a tour on Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise. The only things missing were the crackling of the logs and the smell of animatronic gear grease and compressed air. Dr. Dorman cleverly and expertly completes a guided tour of the 19^th century locomotive industry, painting a vivid picture of the life and legacy of the Robber Baron, Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt. The lesson is further reinforced in the halls when something resembling a conga line is used to demonstrate locomotive functions, forming correlations and relational associations to tie things together. It’s not until later, that you realize the imagery neatly planted in your mind’s eye and the memory of panting after the jaunt down the halls, hold all the information necessary about monopolies for upcoming homework. She doesn’t simply give students homework and grades but gives them experiences. The sort of things that you can recall at a 20^th high school reunion.

Warden School District would like to take this opportunity to commend Angelia Hardy Dorman, Ph.D., High School History, Current World Problems, ELA, and EWU College in the Classroom teacher for successfully completing the National Board certification process. We are proud of you for your accomplishments, as well as grateful to you for your continued public service as you teach and challenge Warden students.