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ABOUT TCS MEMBERS

Mary Lou Burke

 

Magistra Burke is a Latin teacher for the Chesapeake Public School system; however, Magistra Burke is always available to tutor Latin as well.  Magistra Burke has been teaching and tutoring for over 20 years.  This year she is serving as the vice president of the Tidewater Classical Symposium.

 

Magistra Burke's calling to become a Latin teacher is rooted in a philosophy of living a happy life.  Sharing Latin and Classical civilizations with others brings her joy and makes her happy!

 

Other things that bring Magistra Burke joy are ballroom dancing, Zumba, gardening, cooking, and caring for her backyard hens.

 

Now for some favorites:

  • Favorite Classical Author/Source:  One favorite just cannot be chosen!

  • Favorite Latin Word:  Eugepae!

 

Take a look at Magistra Burke's blog MLBsTravels

 

Shirley Hall

 

Magistra Hall is currently teaching Latin in the Virginia Beach Public Schools and has been teaching for 12 years.  Magistra Hall is an active member in the Tidewater Classical Symposium.

 

Magistra Hall pursued a career as a Latin teacher thanks to Mrs. Schwieterman, her former Latin teacher who made Latin fun and enjoyable.  Magistra Hall determined to be just like Mrs. Schwieterman and become a Latin teacher as well.

 

When not engaged in activities related to Latin Magistra Hall enjoys watching movies and travelling.

 

Now for some favorites:

  • Favorite Classical Author/Source:  Catullus, because he has such a wonderful way of communicating his feelings (good or bad) for the one that he loves.

  • Favorite Latin Word:  Dulcis

  • Favorite Story from Myth:  Baucis and Philemon, because it teaches what a little kindness can do.

Benjamin Cory Holec

 

Magister Holec is a middle school Latin teacher working for Norfolk Public Schools.  He has been teaching in Norfolk for five years.  Magister Holec is currently serving as president for the Tidewater Classical Symposium after having served as vice president in the previous year.

 

Magister Holec chose to become a Latin teacher due to Magistra Stone, his high school Latin teacher, and due to the vibrant classics community at St. Olaf College.

 

When not teaching Magister Holec enjoys cooking and grilling.  He is also working slowly but surely to teach himself Russian, Italian, Spanish, and Greek.

 

Now for some favorites:

  • Favorite Classical Author/Source:  Vergil, there is nothing better than some Aeneid. 

  • Favorite Latin Word:  Fortasse

  • Favorite Story from Myth:  The story of Phaeton and Cygnus.  The story of family and friendship is very powerful.

Jane Walsh

 

Magistra Walsh is currently substitute teaching in Virginia Beach Public Schools after more than 15 years teaching in the area.  Magistra Walsh has served as vice president and most recently as president in the Tidewater Classical Symposium. 

 

Magistra Walsh chose the career of Latin teacher because of the great job potential it offered and because she very much enjoyed the mixture of language and literature that Latin offers.

 

When not involved in teaching and enjoying Latin Magistra Walsh enjoys snowsports, gardening, crossword puzzles, movies and broadway shows, and listening to Tom Wopat, a jazz standards singer.

 

Now for some favorites:

 

  • Favorite Classical Author/Source:  Pliny the Younger

  • Favorite Latin Word:  Cecidi

  • Favorite Story from Myth:  Pandora’s Box. Was it for better or worse that hope remained in the box?

 

 

 

 

Diann Nickelsburg

 

Magistra Nickelsburg, a former high school Latin teacher, is now a private homeschool teacher.  A former Tidewater Classical Symposium officer Magistra Nickelsburg is a member emerita.

 

Magistra Nickelsburg chose to follow a career as a Latin teacher thanks to being inspired by her own high school Latin teacher who instilled in her a love of the Latin language.

 

When not teaching Latin Magistra Nickelsburg works as a docent at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk.  She also enjoys travelling and the Italian language.

 

Now for some favorites:

  • Favorite Classical Author/Source:  Horace, Odes. My undergrad Horace course opened up the world of poetry to me. Thanks, Dr. Womble!

  • Favorite Latin Word:  Ubi sum? It's on my license plate and has led to many discussions with random people on the road. I'm still not sure sometimes where I am, where I'm going, or how I'll get there.

  • Favorite Story from Myth:  Pygmalion -- so many influences in modern literature and film -- Vertigo, Stepford Wives, Pretty Woman, etc.

Elizabeth Joy Tuttle

 

Magistra Tuttle has been teaching Latin in the Virginia Beach public schools since the fall of 2006 and is currently teaching at Kempsville Landing high school.  Magistra Tuttle has served the Tidewater Classical Symposium as treasurer and Latin Day coordinator.  Magistra Tuttle continues as Latin Day coordinator and will make our next Latin Day a great success just like the last one.

 

Magistra Tuttle became a Latin teacher to follow a career path less travelled. 

 

When not teaching or coordinating Latin Day activities Magistra Tuttle enjoys scuba diving, playing the violin and piano, or reading and writing.

 

Now for some favorites:

  • Favorite Classical Author/Source:  Too many... Vergil for his scope, Ovid for the fun, and Caesar because how many historical figures write their own accounts?

  • Favorite Latin Word:  Deinde

  • Favorite Story from Myth:  If I had to choose, Pygmalion for the gorgeous description of Galatea coming to life. It’s one of the few myth stories without (immediate) scandal or violence, a nice change of pace. I’m also partial to Castor & Pollux since I’m a Gemini. The end of the Pandora story in which Hope remains is also special to me.
     

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