Linda Jewell

"I was born in Grayson County on a farm near Caneyville, Kentucky in 1949. My parents were both schoolteachers who started their careers in one-room schoolhouses. When I was 4 years old, our family moved to Louisville where my parents taught in Jefferson County Schools until the mid 70's.

"After graduating from Atherton High School in 1967, I attended Western Kentucky State University earning my BS in Elementary Teaching in 1970. I married my first husband and together with our son moved back to Louisville to begin my teaching career of 33 years with Louisville Public and Jefferson County Schools. During that time I worked in 12 different schools teaching grades K-8. Shortly after the birth of my daughter, I earned my MED with a certification in middle school mathematics and an administrative certification to become a principal. In the early 90’s, I began an MOA with the Kentucky Department of Education as a Mathematics Specialist, returning to my home district three years later to accept a district resource position working with elementary teachers. In 2000 I began the most challenging job of my career as the Jefferson County Mathematics Specialist responsible for Curriculum and Assessment for 150 (K-12) schools.

"Throughout my tenure with the Jefferson County Public Schools I worked as an adjunct professor at Bellarmine College and the University of Louisville teaching Elementary Mathematics. I met and married my second husband who was also a middle school teacher. Together we have raised four wonderful children and share the joys and blessings of grand-parenting five grandchildren.

"In 2006 I accepted a position as Regional Coordinator for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics! It has been an awesome journey of learning, teaching, mentoring, collaborating, traveling, presenting, and discovery. I can’t think of a more perfect way to come to the end of my professional career than to have had this experience!"

My top 10 memorable moments over the nine years as RC

My trip to visit Tonda Thompson in Clinton County in the late fall of 2006 was the most memorable of all my experiences. I had checked in to a local resort on the river that was almost completely disserted. My room had no phone and a very weak lock on a door that opened directly into the parking lot. After having an enjoyable dinner at Tonda’s house, I began my trip back to the hotel traveling a narrow gravel road in the dark. I had been warned to drive slowly as the deer may decide to dart out into the road. Suddenly I began to feel very ill with pains in my chest making it difficult to breathe. I found my way back to what appeared to be the hotel from the movie "Psycho." While talking to my husband on my cell phone, my battery died and the charger was in my car. Not wanting to open the door and venture out in the night, I lay on the bed convinced I was going to die in this isolated place all alone! I fell off to sleep and was suddenly awakened by someone pounding on my door. Jumping straight up from the bed I eased over to the door and peered through the peephole. Three older gentlemen were standing outside and asking if anyone was ill inside. I assured them that no one was in need of help, but they insisted on me opening the door. They reported that my daughter had called the police and had them come to check on me. They wanted to take me to the local hospital to be checked. Relieved that they weren’t there to do me in, I thanked them and sent them home. Needless to say I didn’t get much sleep that night and drug myself out of bed later than planned. After checking out (yes the lady at the front desk had to hear all the news about what happened during the night), I headed to Tonda’s school for our visit. One thing though – I had forgotten to use the lobby phone to call Tonda to let her know I was running late. Upon my arrival, she ran toward me and asked me if I was alright! I shared my story of the night’s proceedings again and we laughed and laughed! When I returned for the spring visit, Tonda invited me to a girl’s basketball game at the high school that evening. The first person I saw when entering the school lobby was none other than the sherriff who had tried to “rescue” me that infamous fall night. Every year during the KCM Conference, Tonda would giddily retell this story to everyone who would listen. We always had great fun reminiscing my fall trip to Clinton County!
The time I used GPS traveling to Eastern Kentucky and got lost in the mountains almost turning into a field and arriving several hours late.
Pleasant memories of our many times meeting in Newport at the Comfort Inn on the river. Made so many friends and shared so many wonderful meals together there.
Presentation at NCTM Annual Conference in Salt Lake City with Alice helping me with my very first power point in a ballroom that could have held 150 people.
Six straight days of Math Recovery training in Nashville during the summer of 2007. Certifications - Math Recovery Leader, AVMR Champion, and SNAP Facilitator. So excited to meet and work with Bob Wright!
First USMRC Conference in Denver, Colorado. My first trip out west!
First Math Recovery training co-leading with Alice in the Math House!
Working with first graders at Brooks Elementary as I learned first–hand about what Math Recovery can do for the students and the instructor!
My early Web-Ex experiences
Visiting MITs during the Fidelity studies

Jonathan Thomas May 26, 2015

Dear Linda, I am so honored to have had the privilege to work with you over the past few years, and I wish you the very best in your retirement. I have no doubt that you will keep plenty busy, though. Thank you so much for all that you have done, including your willingness to work with and mentor young-pups like me. I learned a great deal from you, and your expertise will be greatly missed throughout the state. Again, best of luck in your retirement.

Calvin Music May 14, 2015

I only got to see Linda about the same as Mary Helen, 1-2 times a year and that's all. I remember first meeting her in Newport and catching a ride over with her and a few others to the Levee, from the Comfort Inn. She had just gotten a new SUV that had a backup camera and loved that feature, but she didn't know where it was located on the back of the vehicle. After we arrived I helped her locate the camera. I hate to see familiar faces move on, but wish you the best in retirement. God Bless!

Robyn Whelan May 14, 2015

Linda, I have always wanted to be like you! I remember the first time I remember meeting you was at Gheens in 205-06. It was for a meeting for Math department chairs and you presented. Rhonda Niemi introduced us and I was very surprised when the next time I saw you that you remembered my name! You are an inspiration!

Gwen Morgan May 26, 2015

Linda, I'm going to miss you so much! I fondly remember our shopping trips in Northern Kentucky with Nancy; our laughs and our talks. You were, and still are, an inspiration to me. You are one of the best! Best wishes and happy travels!

Rick Reinle May 14, 2015

My dear friend, What a pleasure it has been for me. The time has absolutely flown. How can we ever forget those first 2 years with all the trainings, especially that first year at UofL. Enjoy your retirement friend. You deserve it and stay in touch. Best of everything to a dear dear lady.

Sandra Bollenbecker May 17, 2015

Dear Linda,
You are definitely a "JEWEL"!!!!!!! You gave beyond measure. You gave of your GREAT knowledge to build the KCM Community to qualify Mathematicians in order to grow Kentucky teachers and students for their future. It is because of you that I truely gained the "depth of conceputual understanding in mathematics that is needed to lay the proper foundation for number sense". I enjoyed math for years, but have learned to "Love Math for a LIFETIME".Your enthusiasm spreads like wildfire. Keep shining bright and lighting that path in the lives you encounter during retirement. You have a God given gift to share your successful life to encourage others!!! Thank YOU for your example because you have earned this next position in life!!!! You are LOVED and will be missed:) God BLESS and THANK YOU for your legacy!!!!!!!!

Belle Rush May 27, 2015

One night several years ago at a KCM conference, Linda hung out with me, Jan and Cher in one of our hotel rooms. Linda mentioned a teacher I think in Alaska who used a color-coded system to help her keep up with where her students were in AVMR, thus our Delving into Differention folder system began. Thanks, Linda, for your creativity, your guidance, and above all your friendship. Good luck as you enjoy this next chapter in your life. You will be missed!

Mandy McDonough May 27, 2015

Linda, I've greatly enjoyed getting to know you over the years and am so thrilled for you as you begin the exciting journey of retirement! Congratulations!

Diane Meserve May 25, 2015

Linda led my AVMR trainings and is a fantastic teacher but each time we were together I would have a catastrophic event in my personal life! We were beginning to think there was a curse over the two of us-lol! Linda is a great teacher and a great lady! Linda, I wish you the best!

Cathy Slucher May 18, 2015

Best Wishes on your retirement!!! I have enjoyed working with you this past year and have learned many new things. You will be missed!!!

Terry Fisher May 19, 2015

Congratulations on your retirement Linda. You will be missed by many. I've truly enjoyed working with you and learning ALL that you had to offer. It has been an amazing ride for me. Have fun and enjoy the ride!!!

Vicki Shelton May 18, 2015

Linda, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and passion for mathematics and our kids. You will be missed. I wish you the very best in your retirement!! Live it up!!!

Lisa Riggs May 18, 2015

It has been my good fortune to have known you. You have been a dear friend and colleague. I am so thankful that I had the experience of co-presenting AVMR with you! I also remember great advise you gave me on training my new Yorkie puppy while you were here for a AVMR training! You taught me so much about how children learn mathematics and about how to work with other teachers but above that also about what is really important in life! Enjoy and be happy! You will be missed!

Lynn Hambrick May 18, 2015

So excited that you get to devote your time and energy fully to grandchildren and travel. Thanks for your help and encouragement on my journey to learn how to "really" teach math in my "old" age.

Lynn Hambrick May 18, 2015

So excited that you get to devote your time and energy fully to grandchildren and travel. Thanks for your help and encouragement on my journey to learn how to "really" teach math in my "old" age.

Teresa Cooksey May 22, 2015

Congratulations! Thank you for all the hard work you have done. I have learned so much from you as well as the staff here at Brooks. I looked forward to each visit and your encouraging words. I wish you only the best in retirement. I will miss you but know that this is a wonderful new phase in your life.

Shelley Dickson May 13, 2015

Linda, (We'll try this again! ) I hope you realize what and inspiration and motivation you have been to me over the last 6 years. Your guidance, knowledge and encouragement have meant the world to me! Have a wonderful retirement!! You deserve it. :)

Olivia Winkle May 18, 2015

Congratulations, Linda! I wish you the very best.

Paula Stapleton May 26, 2015

Thank you for your support and kindness over the past year that we have worked together. Wishing you health and happiness in your retirement!

Tammy Hall - Cumberland County Elementary May 13, 2015

I was a new MIT and it was AVMR1 training with Linda. I was a little overwhelmed to say the least and was also very much in awe of Linda in regard to her knowledge & expertise. So, a bad storm comes during the training & we are under a tornado warning. The hotel directs us to rooms on the first floor for safety. Linda & I end up in a bathroom, her sitting on the bathtub and me on the commode.....knees to knees. She's trying to call her child(can't remember if it was a daughter or son) & had just gotten a brand new Blackberry phone. She wasn't sure how to use it completely and since I was a Blackberry pro, I helped her make the call(it may have been a text). She was so down to earth and a mom just like me, worried about her kids. I've since enjoyed several trainings, conferences etc with Linda & have always found her to be down to earth but extremely knowledgeable about math. I wish you well sweet lady, many years of happiness doing whatever makes you happy! Enjoy.....I am four years behind you!!!
Tammy Hall

Selisa Adams May 27, 2015

I just love you! You have helped me grow so much as a math teacher. I remember the Math House and learning all about Math Recovery. Thank you for the support. I wish you the best.

Alice Gabbard May 17, 2015

Linda, you have always been a great story teller and full of fun! I'm grateful to have made this exciting and challenging journey learning from and with you from the beginning. You always give it your all when working with teachers, students, and colleagues. You have a profound expertise for teaching mathematics and a special talent for delivering exemplary professional learning experiences. I especially appreciated the opportunities to co-present AVMR with you. Thanks for all the inspiration and the laughs!

Stephanie Horn May 18, 2015

After my AVMR training with Linda I could not wait to get back to school and start! She is so motivating and I enjoyed listening to all of her stories. Enjoy retirement and have fun!

Andrea Dean May 26, 2015

Linda, I want to thank you for always taking time to discuss things with me and share your expertise! You are a wonderful teacher!! I hope the best for you as you start a new chapter in your life!

Dawn Hardeman May 13, 2015

Best wishes for an enjoyable retirement!

Nicole Weyman May 18, 2015

I have only known you since this past year as my webex coach. I have enjoyed learning from you this past year. I wish you many happy days of retirement - sitting on the beach, skiing in the mountains, playing with grandkids, and just lounging around the house whenever you feel like it. Thank you so much for your service to others in the Math World!

Angie Marti May 13, 2015

I wish you the best retirement full of family time, fun, and hobbies! Happy retirement!

Shelly Scott May 20, 2015

Congratulations! I wish you the best in your retirement. You deserve it. Thank you for all the work you have done in spreading your mathematics knowledge to help better our students. Enjoy!

Beverly Heady May 19, 2015

Congratulations on your journeys toward retirement! I have learned so much from you during AVMR training. Thank you for all you have shared. Relax and enjoy your retirement!

Jill Rock May 20, 2015

Linda, Thank you for all the support you have given me since I began as a MIT. You were always to so warm and welcoming. I feel like we have know each other for years! Best of luck and enjoy!

Alice Cantrell May 17, 2015

I have known Linda Jewell since the 1990's when we participated in Kentucky Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher Network (KMGMTN) together. We were fortunate enough to work with Dr. Bill Bush on this grant! I'm sure Linda has all the fond memories spent working endless hours on this project while spending weeks on the top floors of Blanding Towers on UK's campus. We received training from some of the best educators and researchers in mathematics education. Remember when John Van de Walle spent the day with us!! (I didn't realize I was in the company of one of the mathematical greats at the time)! We were blessed with the best training through this grant! In addition to the wonderful training we received, we have made friends that have lasted throughout our careers. Linda has been an inspiration and mentor to me, and I will always be thankful for our friendship! Most importantly of all I know that with her work with KCM, she has helped teachers to learn best practices for teaching children mathematics. I will forever value our friendship! Enjoy your retirement! You deserve it, but you will be missed.
Alice Cantrell

Tonda Thompson May 13, 2015

Oh my gosh! I was going to tell the same story! Oh well. I just want to say you were one of my first partners in crime on this wonderful journey through mathematics transformation and we seemed to just "click". I love you dear friend and I hope you have many wonderful years ahead of you. Please come visit and stay with me. No more "psycho" motels.

Amy Crawford May 13, 2015

I attended Linda's EERTI sessions this year. The information has been invaluable. She will be missed!

Alice Cantrell May 17, 2015

Mary Helen Hodges May 18, 2015

uploaded memory photo Congratulations on your retirement! I have enjoyed working with you for the past 9 years. I learned so much from you during the Math Recovery Training in Owensboro. We had a great group of teachers there. I enjoyed your vists to Marion when I was doing Math Recovery teaching. You were a great mentor. Thanks for hosting some meetings at your home in Louisville. Those were fun times. I always enjoyed visiting with you at conferences and trainings. And how could we ever forget all of those fidelity videos and sessions in Louisville? We worked hard on that project. I will miss all of the good times. Best wishes for good health and much happiness in your retirement years! Keep in touch if you have time. My email is mhhodges@hotmail.com.

Pam Reichelderfer May 26, 2015

My best wishes on your retirement. You have a bright future ahead of you without any annoying WebEx meetings; enjoy it.

Dawn Dibley May 13, 2015

Congratulations and Best Wishes from Minnesota. I'm so happy that I was able to share the Math Recovery experience with you! If your retirement plans include travel to Minnesota, please contact me.

Tammy Blair May 18, 2015

I want to wish Linda the best on her well deserved retirement! She was my rock my first year as MIT! Thank you so much Linda for all that you have done!

Beth Miracle Meiman May 18, 2015

The picture above spoke volumes of the day I shadowed Linda at a KNPI training in Sheperdsville, KY. Arriving early to set up words cannot really describe the room we entered that morning! Never in my teaching career had I witnessed so many computers literally "piled" up in the middle of the room!! After initial shock wore off we both began moving desks, tables, etc. around and made the room work, however, we did NOT touch one computer for fear it would start a cascade of rolling computers!! If that wasn't enough the next day while Linda is in front of the room teaching we both notice, ever so quickly, darting here and there another participant only this one was furry and had a long tail!! A little mouse (and can only wonder about the others that were most likely there!), was living the life darting in and out among his safe computer condo!! Never a dull moment during that one training!! Best wishes Linda for a fun filled next phase of living!! Thank you for all you did to help me adjust to my new position!!

Jeanne Crump May 19, 2015

Linda, I wish you the best. You have motivated me to be a better math teacher. I won't forget one time we were meeting and you had asked the hotel personnel if they could possibly provide cookies for a mid-afternoon treat. I'm not sure what they said to you, but you said "I'll not ask them again." We teased you a few times about asking for cookies and had a good laugh. You made our AVMR trainings so enjoyable. Thanks and again best wishes!!

Lynn Hambrick May 18, 2015

So excited that you get to devote your time and energy fully to grandchildren and travel. Thanks for your help and encouragement on my journey to learn how to "really" teach math in my "old" age.