David Ursel: A Soaring Eagle Empowers Others
by Sandy Chase
Sandy Chase is a writer, poet, mentor, and avid nonprofit volunteer. In the contributed article below, she interviews teacher, volunteer, mentor, and board member, David Ursell.
An Education Foundation board member and noteworthy speech and language pathologist at Toledo Blade Elementary, David Ursel soars, serving as a role model. He indeed represents the school’s mascot: Edgar the Eagle.
Prior to being elected to the board, David served as a Foundation volunteer and has attended numerous events. In 2015, Toledo Blade Elementary chose him to be their Teacher of the Year nominee. By participating in this program, he learned more about the Foundation’s involvement, supporting this endeavor for the district.
Classroom games
In 1990 David joined the staff in opening Taylor Ranch Elementary School. He provided speech therapy. Fran Valencic, a fifth-grade teacher on the 1990 team, recalls that David created a city and store in his classroom. “He wrote grants to keep the store supplied. Children earned class money and spent it on cars, jewelry, and McDonald’s toys. His friends often donated, boosting his program.” Through David’s creative and engaging idea, 3rd graders learned math skills, improved interaction and communications with others
Fran recalled how, as a speech pathologist, David’s ability to connect with his students created a path of success for them:
While standing next to a parent at a fifth-grade graduation, I saw her weeping, as she watched a child presenting her speech from the podium. Proudly, the woman said, ‘That’s my daughter.’
Director of Educator Programs Nicole Light says, “David’s experience as a speech pathologist has broadened the Foundation’s approach towards building and recruiting for our educator programs.”
Confirming others, she says that he provides a critical perspective to fellow board members who are outside the classroom. “His vast experience, including grant writing, and commitment to life-long learning help sharpen the focus while heightening the understanding for challenges facing the educational landscape—ultimately assisting members to make the best decisions.”
Because of his educational background, David the Eagle continues to soar as a teacher representative—ensuring that teachers are respected in this community and beyond.
· How did you learn about the Education Foundation?
While at Taylor Ranch, I received an Edge of Excellence grant from the Foundation. Teaching at Wilkinson Elementary School, I received five grants. By participating in the Toledo Blade Teacher of the Year program, I discovered how the organization was involved, and I supported this district endeavor.
· Besides helping your schools receive grants, how have you served as a Foundation volunteer?
I was one of many Foundation Teacher Ambassadors. In that role, I assisted with a few of the TOY: Teacher of the Year events in Venice.
· What have you gained by attending Education Foundation events?
The number and caliber of programming continue to improve. I’ve attended many Saturday trainings and found last year’s AI seminar extremely informative for my classroom/position, educating me about some of the capabilities of using AI. Since that training, I’ve created Individual Education Plan goals and objectives, identified certain medications students use, and created Tiered Intervention Plans for classroom teachers.
· When did you begin your board membership?
Last year. It’s a three-year term. And I’ll be coming up on my first-year anniversary. I’m grateful that Nicole shared my name while I served as a teacher ambassador. (https://edfoundationsrq.org/teachers/impactfellows/). I had applied and was elected by the board to participate as one of two teacher representatives. Former District Teacher of the Year Tim Ferguson is the other member.
· What are the challenges? Your rewards?
Challenges, as with any nonprofit, is fundraising for exceptional programming and services. We’re fortunate because education is a Sarasota County priority: the community realizes that a strong educational foundation benefits all.
Rewards are incredible: (1) seeing struggling students excel and complete their education/trainings and gain full-time employment, (2) achieving first-hand educational programs at all grade levels, and (3) sharing the excitement with my colleagues when we’re awarded grants.
· What does your position as teacher representative entail?
I participate in board meetings, with voting privileges; sit on the External Affairs Committee; and assist Foundation activities and fundraising, such as the Ringling Bridge Run (https://edfoundationsrq.org/ringling-bridge-10k/) and the Corporate Donor Reception held in February at the Sarasota Yacht Club. We are especially grateful for our donors.
· How were you involved in the Education Foundation’s Corporate Donor Reception?
The Corporate Donor Reception at Sunset Sarasota Porsche and other venues allowed me to represent teachers and the board in thanking our sponsors and sharing how their donations make a difference to our students and teachers.
· What have you learned from other board members?
My fellow board members and staff share a passion for education and for providing optimal learning experiences for our Sarasota County students and their families.
We must gather support from new community members and continue to highlight the successes and needs of Sarasota County, highlighting how our residents contribute to the organization, positively affecting those who live and work in the community.
Even if one doesn’t have children in our schools, a strong education system enhances our entire community: businesses relocate here because of our exceptional educational system—bringing jobs, growth, and an increased tax base.
· What subjects have you taught/do you teach?
A certified (FDOE) and licensed (FDOH) speech-language pathologist enables me to provide speech and language therapy services to students in pre-K through the 5th grade at Toledo Blade Elementary School—my 18th year at this exceptional school.
· What are your pastimes?
Now that my children are independent, successful adults, I have more time to go to the beach, travel, and exercise. 
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What would you like to tell others who want to volunteer for nonprofit organizations?
Choose a nonprofit that promotes something that you’re passionate about, as it will make your days so much more fulfilling and improve your feelings of self-worth for being able to help others. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is one of those nonprofits that impacts so many and enhances our community.