Connie Tate and her husband Mick have been calling Turlock home for more than 45 years. They have three daughters and ten grandchildren. For several years, her focus was on advancing her education and driving her daughters to as many extra curricular events as possible.  She put her education to good use by improving the education of others at various campuses and school districts. In 2006, she was presented with the Alumni Services Award from Stanislaus State.

Q. When did you first become interested in education?

A. I think I was always interested in education.  I grew up pretending to be a teacher and persuading all the younger kids in the neighborhood to sit in front of my green chalkboard in the garage while I taught them how to write their names.

Q. What was the most rewarding part about your career?

A. I taught in the primary grades so teaching children to read and write was extremely rewarding.  There is nothing quite like seeing the light in a child’s eyes when they realize they can read unassisted.

Q. Can you tell us about your children’s book and what inspired you to write it?

A. “Roll On” is my first picture book based upon my granddaughter Wren and her experience with a rather large spaghetti squash.  The spaghetti squash slips away and mischief ensues as it rolls its way through town.  I shared the idea with Sam Bridge and he brought the actions to life using watercolors.  We are currently collaborating on a second book titled, “Scooter Boy.”

Q. What is your favorite thing to do in Turlock for fun?

A. My favorite thing to do in Turlock is my 10-mile morning bike ride with my husband, Mick and enjoying a meal and a beverage at the Dust Bowl.

Q. What was the last TV show, book, or movie to captivate you?

A. I recently discovered the author, Fredrik Backman.  The first book I read was “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry,” followed by “Britt-Marie was Here,” “A Man Called Ove,” and “Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer.”  “Bear Town” is next on my list.

Q. What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?

A. I am very proud to have been one of the first graduates of CSU, Stanislaus Educational Leadership Doctorate Program and to have had the opportunity to serve on the California Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission.