In this clip, Judith Steele discusses celebrating the High Holidays and how she influenced Clark County School District to allow Jewish children to observe these days without their absence counting against their attendence record.
Oral history interview with Judith Steele conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 25, 2014 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Steele discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969 from Brooklyn, New York. She also discusses serving the Jewish community as an educator and business person, as well as designing Clark County School District's first individualized education program.
Judith Dee "Judi" Steele, née Abrams, is the president and CEO of the Public Education Foundation in Clark County, Nevada. Born November 14, 1943 in New York City, Steele began her career teaching elementary and middle school in New York and Rhode Island. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969 and received her Master of Education degree in secondary and adult education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steele held numerous positions within the Clark County School District (CCSD), including Director of Special Education Programs and Services.
Judith Steele was born November 14, 1943 in New York City. Steele began her career teaching elementary and middle school in New York and Rhode Island. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969 and received her Master of Education degree in secondary and adult education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Steele held numerous positions within the Clark County School District (CCSD), including Director of Special Education Programs and Services. She designed CCSD's first individualized education program.
In this interview she talks about student teaching in East Harlem, her teaching experiences in Providence, Rhode Island and the decision to reside in Las Vegas. When she was finally able to be promoted outside of the classroom, among her highlights was being Director of Special Education Programs and Services for the Clark County School District. In 1991, she served in a dual role as Manager of the Office of Development and Education Improvement for CCSD and Executive Director of the newly incorporated Clark County Public Education Foundation, an independent, non-profit organization established to improve public education in Southern Nevada. Among her many community activities is serving on numerous board and founder of the Henderson Arts Council.
Oral history interview with Stavan Corbett conducted by Nathalie Martinez on November 5, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Barbara Tabach and Rodrigo Vazquez also participate in the questioning. Stavan Corbett is a member of the Latino community who has served as an educator and politician in Las Vegas. Growing up in Las Vegas, Stavan was exposed to various environments that all helped him shape his Latino identity. Stavan was able to appreciate the Catholic and Jewish cultures as well. During the 1970s and '80s his experiences with first and second generation Latinos played a large role in his identity formation, especially as a student. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college. Stavan worked in the hotel industry and moved on to work with troubled youth and eventually become a member of the Nevada State Board and the Clark County School Board. His continued work with the Latin Chamber of Commerce has also allowed him to be involved with the Latino Youth Leadership Conference. Subjects discussed include: Identity Struggle, Interracial Relationships, Working in the Hotel Industry, Clark County School District, and Cultural Assimilation.