OSZ Influencer of the Week: Demondra Curry, Ocoee Middle

Demondra “Dee” Curry is a sixth-grade language arts teacher and lead sponsor for the Student Council at Ocoee Middle School. Curry also has built a positive culture and climate with not only her students on campus, but staff members as well. This year, Student Council has worked on a Teens against Vaping Program and has come up with several incentives for teachers and custodians. Last year, she has led Student Council students by holding canned-food drives, fundraisers for other clubs on campus, service projects in the community and school dances.

She has received many accolades during her career, including honors at Meadowbrook, Carver and Bridgewater middle schools. At OMS, she was named an OCPS Hero Teacher in 2019-20.

What brought you to your school?

I was looking for a different teaching experience and wanted to be with my children, who were in middle school as well.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the diversity of the school and the positive relationships I have with my administrative team and teachers. I truly enjoy working with my PLC team because we all work so well together. We all accept and respect each other. The students are receptive, and most parents are very supportive.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is knowing that I’m making a difference for others, whether it’s a student, parent, teacher or administrator. I strive to make a positive impact wherever I go, even if it’s just a smile or a kind word. I believe that little things can make a big difference, especially with kids. They really need our encouragement, guidance and support to become healthy, productive people in the world today and in the future.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The rewarding part of my job is knowing I’m making a difference for someone’s child who will one day make a difference in the world.  Nothing beats watching a student improve in academics and grow as a person right before my eyes. I love seeing my students happy and excited about learning.  I get excited with them when they actually do something that they thought they could not achieve.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending quality time with my family and watching movies. I also love to travel when I can — and reading (of course), writing, singing and listening to music. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Cooper, who taught accounting in high school. She always acknowledged my hard work in class. Her positive words about me alone made me want to excel, and so I did. I became an honor roll student because of her encouraging words and belief in me.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

Believe it or not, I just wanted to be a housewife; then, as a teenager, I wanted to be an accountant or a teacher.

What are your hobbies? 

Arts and crafts, graphic designs, and cooking/baking.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why? 

To erase hate, racism and poverty; cure cancer, bring an end to this pandemic; and heal people from emotional and mental pain and trauma. Many of the problems we have in the world today is due to hurting people who were never healed. Hurt people hurt people.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? 

This is difficult to say — I have so many favorites. 116 (Lecrae), Fred Hammond and Maverick City Music.