Greetings BJ Family!,

I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I was born. My father moved here from Antakya, Turkey, as an electrical engineer, and my mother was born in Calhoun, Tennessee. I grew up learning Turkish and English. When I was in elementary school, our family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where I lived most of my life. Education has always been an important part of my life.

I have been fortunate to have had many experiences in the business world, where I was an account manager with a major food company. Later, I earned a degree in elementary education, an ESL degree, and an Education Specialist degree. I also received my administration certificate. I am a former National Board Certified Teacher.

My husband passed away early in life and I raised my two children, who are now grown, and who have 2 daughters a piece. I love talking about my grandchildren and spending time with my family. My son is a construction engineer with his own company and my daughter received a biology degree and is busy raising her children.

In my educational career, I began as an Elementary and English learner teacher with Hoover City Schools, in Birmingham, Alabama. I stayed there for nine years. I was an adjunct instructor for the ESL graduate school at the University of Alabama, in Birmingham. I later became a Regional Coach for School Improvement and ESL with the Department of Education in Alabama. I learned many things working in the state of Alabama. Later, I became the Federal Programs and ESL Coordinator for Pelham City Schools, in Pelham, Alabama.

I transitioned back into teaching ESL in high school at Spain Park, in Hoover, Alabama, and moved to Huntsville in 2018 to be with my family. I have enjoyed being with Madison City Schools. I started at Discovery Middle School and worked with Midtown Elementary School for several years. I am now with James Clemens and Bob Jones High Schools, teaching ESL Elective classes. I look forward to meeting our families and continuing my journey by teaching English learners.

Warm Regards and Roll Tide,

Ms. Sevim Whitaker