Dr. Clemmie Webber (1913 - 2012)

Dr. Clemmie Webber (1913 - 2012)

Gene Zaleski
The Times and Democrat

July 28, 2012

Mr. Zaleski,

Thank you for writing a fitting tribute to the life of Dr. Clemmie Webber (http://bit.ly/nyk_clemmie_webber).

I spent perhaps one week with Dr. Webber as a student (in Dr. Carl Clark's high school SAT camp at SCSU circa 1985), but she was a mentor, hero, and lifelong inspiration to me.

Dr. Webber was in her early 70s by then, but she was razor-sharp and insightful.

She taught a few classes during the camp on vocabulary (the meaning of words), and language (how words are used) - and how language was more important than vocabulary.

I did not know it at the time, but those few days with her would influence my decision years later to help start a school (Tech High Charter School in Atlanta, GA), and to develop games that enhance math students' language skills.

This is what makes a great teacher:

1. I remember her 25 years later.
2. She could relate to all students.
3. Every word she said was insightful.

Rest in peace, Dr. Webber - and thank you.


Sincerely,

Derrick Brown
Calhoun County High School (Class of 1987 Valedictorian)
http://reachthenteach.blogspot.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dbrowndbrown

"Do not mistake activity for achievement." (John Wooden, noted achiever)