MEET ELIZABETH
Elizabeth Speck is passionate about education and its possibilities. With over 30 years’ experience teaching, Elizabeth brings a wealth of information and knowledge to the table.
Elizabeth began teaching in 1986 at the University of New York at Buffalo and at Williamsville East High School in Williamsville New York. After her Calculus roster had 90 names and her lectures rarely were below 200 students, the math department asked her to revamp their teaching styles to make math more accessible and understandable to more students. Her passion for the brain growth mentality and her study of learning styles began at this time and has enabled her to interact with professionals in the field. In addition, she worked on curriculum review boards gaining an understanding of the curriculums available and the research that was going into their development.
In 1989, Elizabeth transitioned to teaching for the University of Maryland European College when she began serving the military in Italy. For the next 20 years she taught soldiers, family members, civilian personnel, and local nationals every math and statistics course UofM offered in Europe. As distance learning grew, she was one of the first to run virtual classes with her deployed students. While working with the Military, she began her financial counseling career. Becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor to serve her community, Elizabeth was included in budgetary meetings and preparations for the installation. Her understanding of statistics enabled her to save the military over $200 million by spotting a scam. For this she was awarded an installation coin.
In 2009, the Military transitioned her to Ft. Huachuca in Sierra Vista where she continued to serve in every aspect. When she left service to the military, she was awarded another coin for saving that installation over $300,000 in lost training hours and procedural irregularities. In 2014, Elizabeth came to Greenlee County. She began substitute teaching and was hired by the Morenci Unified School District as a math teacher.
Elizabeth is driven to help others succeed. Her husband, Barry, and she homeschooled their sons and were the overseeing team of the homeschoolers attached to the Military in Italy. Elizabeth researched resources available for these families and grew a network of Stateside support for overseas military families during her time in Italy. While at Ft. Huachuca, she was used to bring people together and provide support for organizations in need. Elizabeth has a deep understanding of fiduciary and statutory responsibilities from her years holding a security clearance.
Barry & Elizabeth’s sons have taken the educational pathways that fit them – James went to the UofA and is in the National Guard as well as a shift leader at Target; he is currently in flight school to become a Blackhawk pilot; and Stephen started working while finishing high school and beginning Community College, then moved to Chicago, IL to begin a coop before he was 19. The Sugar Beet Coop won best small business in America their third year open.
Elizabeth Speck looks to bring a strong educational and interpersonal skill set to serving the schools and families in Greenlee County. For her to have your support, please write in her name in for County School Superintendent.
