Page 25 - 2022-Mag_88-4

Viewpoint

Impacting Education Worldwide

Our focus is on the most active and involved time after Todd’s retirement—
when she ventured into the global arena. Todd was a leading woman who
impacted education worldwide, personifying the vision of DKG. Her story
may well open the eyes and encourage others who may fear their skills and
talents will find no use after they finalize the contracts of their teaching years.
Todd’s example illustrates the possibilities for those who want to continue to
contribute in whatever manner materializes and may inspire them to do so.
At the age of 69, Todd left for China, not speaking Chinese but speaking
the “language of love for teaching” (Todd, 2007). Self-motivation was
an incentive to achieve her goal of traveling and learning about other
countries, and now, in her retirement, she found the opportunity to do so.
She began her journey to the People’s Republic of China in August 1988,
first to Nanjing and later to Fuzhou, where she taught English to Chinese
graduate students in the universities. She planned to stay for a short stint but
ended up staying 13 years. Known as
“Mama Sue” to her Chinese students,
she taught English in Southeast China
University in Nanjing (Todd, 2007). Todd
maintained a daily journal of events,
conversations, and questions asked
by students. She used this journal as a
form of reflection and an opportunity to
provide effective learning specifically
to meet the needs of the students. In
this reflective process, Todd was able
to evaluate and expand her own culture
and knowledge by learning from others.
Todd advanced her own personal
and professional growth through
experiences and teaching/learning
opportunities encountered as she traveled and lived in China. Confidence and
self-assurance in her ability to meet the physical and emotional requirements
in her daily activities were realized. She was able to adjust to walking four
flights of stairs, living in one room, and having access to living conditions that
were primitive, yet her enthusiasm for educating students continued to thrive.
Her interest in uniting others in supporting education was shown
as she enlisted a support network of her family, friends, and fellow
educators to motivate, provide guidance, and encourage her along
the way. Many times, she would write to her fellow educators asking
for materials and supplies, and they would share with her.

Lasting Impact
Todd impacted education worldwide by sharing her American culture and
language with students and families in China. She developed an international
awareness and acceptance of different learning approaches, cultures, and knowledge
with her students. Throughout Todd’s stay in China, she was able to make

Collegial Exchange · 23