Profile of the Month - September 2004 Ryan DeFour

Ryan DeFour, Class of 2003, is from Sterling Heights, Michigan. Ryan teaches math at Lockerd Elementary School in Indianola. In his first year teaching Ryan's students improved 42% on the state math test, from 43 % passing to 85% passing. "It's a nice affirmation that what I'm doing works," said Ryan about the dramatic improvement in test scores.

Ryan went to school in Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He majored in Geography and minored in History. He participated in intramural soccer, basketball, volleyball, and football.

 

While researching alternate-route teaching programs Ryan was impressed by the Teacher Corps. "I learned about the Mississippi Teacher Corps while researching alternative certification routes in the United States during my junior year of college. At that time I was planning on graduating in 2004 with a degree in education from Central Michigan University. After visiting the Mississippi Teacher Corps website it became obvious to me that the Teacher Corps would prepare me to teach in a far more effective manner…"

In addition to teaching Ryan coaches a girls' soccer team.