Wonder Women

Tech teacher tag team is changing lives at East Cleveland high school

- CALVIN HARPER

Synergy is the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements. In short, it means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In mathematical terms, 1 + 1 = 3.

Our world is filled with examples of synergism. In music, different instruments with good tone sound even better when combined in an orchestra. In sports, Karl Malone and John Stockton, both good players individually, flourished beyond all expectations as teammates. Synergy functions even in families, as individual members fulfill their responsibilities, problems are avoided, and the home functions well.

It turns out that synergistic relationships are also effective among information technology (IT) teachers. One marvelous example is what is happening right now at Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio.

Shaw is a Title 1 school. The student body is 99 percent black with many of the kids living in single-parent households and regularly dealing with non-school problems that would challenge any adult.

Founded in the mid-1800s, Shaw possesses some powerful assets: a talented faculty devoted to preparing students for life and careers; alumni that are fiercely loyal to the school; and a strong sense of honor and tradition — in June they celebrated their 141st commencement ceremony.

The school is also home to a world-famous marching band, “The Baddest Band in the Land,” that performed at the ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. The bandtrip was heavily supported by alumni, who helped with expenses.