Linda Montgomery
"I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, but grew up in southwestern Virginia and southeastern West Virginia. I graduated from Bluefield High School in 1967 and West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1971 with a BS degree in Mathematics.
"My husband LD and I will celebrate our 44th anniversary on May 20th. We met at Wesleyan where he was a football coach and I was a cheerleader. He was also one of my math professors. He claims he was promoting positive faculty-student relationships. We have three children: Matt (Nicole) who live in Lexington with our precious 5 year old granddaughter, Siena; Mark (Erin) who live in Norfolk, Virginia, and have our other two precious grandchildren – Lawson (14) and Ainsleigh (12); and Melinda (Carl) who live in Cookeville, Tennessee.
"My teaching career began when I stepped in as a long-term substitute for Matt’s Algebra 1 teacher while she was battling cancer. I fell in love with teaching and went back to school to earn my certification. I was first hired as a home-bound teacher and part time high school math teacher at Berea Community School. A year later, I was hired full time to teach middle school and high school mathematics. While working at Berea, I earned my Master’s in Math Education at Eastern Kentucky University where I was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate in the Department of Education in 1992. After 12 years at Berea, I taught 6½ years in Jessamine County. I left Jessamine to serve as the Math Achievement Fund Grant Consultant at the Kentucky Department of Education. I worked at KDE for 3 years before accepting the position of Regional Coordinator at Morehead State University for KCM.
"Early in my career, I was privileged to be a participant in the Kentucky Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher Network project. It was there that I learned about facilitating inquiry-based learning, how to teach conceptually and the importance of using concrete materials to help students make sense of concepts. That opportunity changed my life as a teacher. Thank you, Dr. Bill Bush, for your vision.
Memorable moments in my career:
- Earning my Master's Degree
- Earning National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Mathematics
- Receiving a MESA Award from KCTM
- Nominations to Who's Who Among American Teachers
- Recognition as a Governor's Scholar Outstanding Teacher
- Receiving the Crystal Apple Award from East Jessamine Middle School
- Becoming a Math Recovery Intervention Specialist
- Becoming a AVMR Champion
"While all of the above things were good, they did not bring as much satisfaction as seeing a student's eyes light up with understanding. My main goal in teaching math was to help students have confidence in their ability to solve problems whatever concepts they were learning. I believed if I gave them the tools they needed and encouraged them to keep on trying even when the problems seemed too hard, I was preparing them not just for math class but for life.
"The very best thing about working for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics has been the people. I have met so many talented and dedicated teachers who continually amaze me with their creativity and wisdom. Also, I have been privileged to work with some incredibly intelligent and hard working Regional Coordinators. I have been blessed by knowing these wonderful people and I will treasure the friends I have made through the years.
"I would like to thank everyone who has made this journey so special."
Jady Skaggs May 27, 2015
I will miss you. Hope you enjoy your retirement!
Tammy Hall/Cumberland County Elementary May 15, 2015
I have found you to be such a kind and supportive person in trainings and meetings we have attended. I hope you have a wonderful & blessed retirement!!
Alice Cantrell May 17, 2015
I have known Linda Montgomery 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, thank you for trying to convert the middle school traditionalist! I'm sure you have made a difference in KY! By the way, I have more coconut pics to share. No one wears coconut shells better than Linda. HAHa Thanks for being such a willing participant and for a great time! Enjoy your much deserved retirement! Alice Cantrell
Calvin Music May 14, 2015
Linda is my RC and I really hate to see her leave. There isn't enough time or space to tell all of the wonderful things she has done to support us MIT's in our role educating students. Our Collegial meetings were always something to look forward to, as well as our online meetings. Linda has a great sense of sarcastic humor, which we all enjoyed and will surely miss. I really can't imagine her NOT being my RC. I wish her well in retirement and hope to see her around some of the future KCM functions, if she can fit us into her new schedule. Take care Linda and God Bless!!
Nicole Weyman May 18, 2015
Best wishes for your retirement! Thank you so much for your service to others in the Math World!
Gwen Morgan May 26, 2015
Linda, I have truly enjoyed our time together. I think you bring out the best in me! I'm going to miss your cakes, especially the coffee cake, well, the brownies too...and the coffee, and table cloths! Well, I'm going to miss everything about you, my friend! Best wishes to you!
Beth Miracle Meiman May 18, 2015
Linda, wishing you and LD many many days filled with watching the ocean sunsets at your condo and many days enjoying seeing your grandchildren grow! Getting to shadow you this past year at the MaRtI Middle has been so enjoyable and eye opening! Thank you for allowing me, many times, raise my hand, in agreement when you spoke of students experiencing gaps due to memorization without conceptual understanding! The mathematical journey begins at preschool and builds throughout their education and it was so exciting watching you lead middle school educators and see how it all fits together and is interdependent and intertwined! :) So very happy you will continue to be with us teaching the MaRtI Middle!! Blessed to call you friend!!
Belle Rush May 22, 2015
I first met Linda when she came to visit my class during my first year as MIT. She was working for the Department of Education, and I was so nervous to have her coming to see me. She immediately put me at ease. I realized she was human, and had the same goals and vision I had for students to learn to love math.
It has been a pleasure to get to know Linda, and I will miss seeing her at KCM functions. Enjoy your well deserved retirement, Linda!
Lynn Hambrick May 18, 2015
You made my dream come true. I wanted to continue to teach yet I wanted to retire so I could visit my grandchildren and you said, "yes" to being able to share my MIT position with another retired teacher. There are no words to express my gratitude for the joy this arrangement has brought to my life. Thanks.
Shelly Scott May 20, 2015
Enjoy your retirement! I remember the first time I met you. It was while you were with KDE and you made a visit to my school. I was so nervous but you made me feel at ease. You were so easy to talk to. Thank you for all you have done to help MIT's and teachers of Kentucky.
Terry Fisher May 19, 2015
Linda, It has been such a joy to work with you and have you to call about anything and everything and at any moment. You've been such an asset to the program that I love and will always remember as the ending of my teaching career (whenever that may be). You have been a big part of making my experience so awesome. Enjoy your retirement and keep in touch. You're the best!!!!!
Darlene Humphress May 19, 2015
Linda, I truly enjoyed training with you, Jill, and Karen when we graced the EDC with our presence a couple of years ago. Then I had the privilege of co-presenting with you at the KCM Conference. I will never forget your humor, your willingness to share, and the special times we had in Elizabethtown doing what we do best-eating!
Paula Stapleton May 26, 2015
Thank you for your kindness and support over the past year we have worked together. You always have a smile and a laugh to share, and that is very much appreciated!! Thanks, Linda and the best to you in your retirement!
Krista Carter May 13, 2015
Thank you so much for "going the extra mile" during my KNPI session. Your dedication to excellence is appreciated! Thank you for assisting Selisa, encouraging us, sharing your ideas and knowledge, being patient, and baking delicious goodies! Your kindness did not go unnoticed. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to become acquainted with you! I wish you nothing but the best. Take care and enjoy your retirement!
Lisa Riggs May 18, 2015
Linda,
I remember you visiting my school when you were still with KDE. You have always been a kind and helpful and pleasant person. Thank you for sharing you experience and expertise with us. Enjoy your retirement!
Sandra Bollenbecker May 17, 2015
Dear Linda,
I have SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH enjoyed your humble personality. You have always shared a SMILE that went MILES to encourage others!!!! I know that you will enjoy retirement because you believe in investing in others and now it is time for you to get to invest in your family :) This time is well deserved!!!!!!!!! Thank You for giving of yourself to help build the KCM community that is always there for the purpose of building mathematicians and Leaders for tomorrow. God Bless your retirement :)
Mary Helen Hodges May 18, 2015
Congratulations on your retirement! I have enjoyed working with you. We have had lots of 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. Reg enjoyed shopping while we were in meetings. He was delighted to be your personal jewelry shopper. I hope you will think of us when you wear your beautiful jewelry. I will miss all of the good times. Best wishes for good health and much happiness in your retirement years! I hope you have time to spend lots of time on the beach. Keep in touch if you have time. My email is mhhodges@hotmail.com.
Mandy McDonough May 27, 2015
Linda, you have truly been a delight to work with! I hope you have an absolutely amazing retirement filled with loads and loads of reading (for fun!), and long afternoons poolside! Congratulations!
Donetta Trimble - KEDC May 13, 2015
Thank you Linda for all the good times at KEDC! Congratulations - my prayers are with you for a beautiful retirement - you so deserve it!
Vicki Shelton May 18, 2015
Linda, what a privilege to have worked with you. I've enjoyed your teachings and guidance along the way. Enjoy your retirement!!!
Rick Reinle May 14, 2015
What a wonderful time it has been sharing this experience with you. Enjoyed all the times spent with you. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve it!!
Jonathan Thomas May 26, 2015
Dear Linda, It has been such an honor and privilege to work with you over the past few years, and I wish you all the best in your retirement. . .although, knowing you reasonably well, I am guessing you will likely keep plenty busy. I want to thank you so much for working with me during your time at the KCM, and I am so grateful to have been your professional colleague. Again, I wish all of the best on your road ahead.
Chyleigh Rose May 25, 2015
Congratulations! Your contributions to students throughout the years has been astounding! I enjoyed the few times we worked together, you are a wonderful person, enjoy your well deserved retirement.
Pam Reichelderfer May 26, 2015
Congratulations on your retirement. Wishing you happiness, success and good health as you begin this next new adventure.
Alice Gabbard May 17, 2015
Linda, you have been a joy to work with! How fortunate that you worked closely with the KCM as a consultant at the KDE during the early years of the Mathematics Achievement Fund and then were able to step in as a KCM Regional Coordinator at Morehead State University. You not only have a sharp eye for editing and bake delicious treats--you are also a passionate and brilliant leader, skillful with educating, guiding, and supporting elementary and middle grades teachers. Your capacity for laughter, superior organizational skills, and commitment to developing and supporting teachers has strengthened the KCM and made life better for so many Kentucky teachers and kids! Thanks so much for all your excellent hard work and positive energy! Thanks, also, to L.D. for all the help with storing and transporting materials!
Tonda Thompson May 13, 2015
Linda, you have always been one of the kindest, caring people I have ever known. I always felt I could call on you for anything. I remember one day when you were passing through Albany and you stopped to give me some polyhedral dice and a storm was brewing and we headed to my house for shelter. There is something about Albany and RC's...LOL. I thank you for all the knowledge and friendship you have shared with me along this journey. I wish you many more years of health and happiness. Please visit when you are passing through. Best Wishes.
Dawn Hardeman May 13, 2015
Best wishes for a wonderful retirement!
Dawn Justice May 17, 2015
Linda has been my RC for the past two years. Although, I am somewhat new to being an MIT, she welcomed me with open arms. Her honesty and understanding of the challenges teachers face today is refreshing. She has always been prompt to lend a hand or resource that would help. Her devotion to her teachers and our students is unparalleled. She will be missed greatly! :) Best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement! You deserve it!
Suzanne Bevins May 20, 2015
Congratulations and best wishes to you Linda. It has been a pleasure working with you. I appreciate all the wonder advice and input you have given me over the years. I wish you a happy, relaxing, and restful retirement!
Selisa Adams May 27, 2015
You have been a mentor, friend, and advisor to me. I have loved our time working together through the years. This year, you have been so supportive. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. I respect you. Thank you for everything but especially your wisdom and friendship. Enjoy your life!
Karen Campbell May 13, 2015
Linda, those are a lovely bunch of coconuts! I can't buy jewelry without thinking of you. I really enjoyed our time together. We made a really good team! Now that you are retiring, maybe you can make red 'Wobbin' a habit! Best of luck and God Speed, my friend.
Lucy Anderson May 18, 2015
Best wishes! Enjoy your retirement. Please stop by and visit me at SJE when you visit your old stamping grounds in Berea!
Olivia Winkle May 18, 2015
Linda, it has been a joy to work with you. I wish you the best. Congratulations!
Sylvia Carter May 25, 2015
Thank you for helping an old reading consultant become a mathematician.
Jill Rock May 20, 2015
Linda, Thank you for being such a great leader for KCM and our WebEx meetings. It has been a pleasure to know you. Enjoy retirement!