HISD grieves sudden loss of curriculum manager Frank Whiteside
Frank Whiteside
The HISD family lost a key figure in its Curriculum Department this week, when Frank Whiteside passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 5, 2015.
Whiteside, whom Chief Academic Officer Dan Gohl described as “a strong educator and a wonderful colleague,” was the district’s manager of elementary social studies curriculum at the time of his death. He served Houston’s children for almost two decades, first as a teacher at Sanderson Elementary School (now closed) and later as a curriculum specialist and a model lesson writer.
“Frank spent his life in service to others,” said Director of Elementary Curriculum and Development Rachele Vincent. “He felt passionately about ensuring students learned history and citizenship so that they could make a difference in the world.”
“Frank’s dedication to scholarship, learning, and the importance of good teaching will remain one of our fondest memories of a dear friend and colleague,” added Angela Miller and Montra Rogers of the secondary social studies team. “We will miss him terribly.”
Whiteside received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Tuskegee University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix. He was in the process of obtaining his doctorate in higher education administration from the latter institution at the time of his death.
A funeral has been planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at the Living Word Fellowship Church (7530 T.C. Jester, 77088), where Whiteside served as an associate pastor. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Troy B. Smith Professional Services. An obituary is scheduled to appear in the Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, edition of the Houston Chronicle with additional details.
Mr. Whiteside was an amazing man. He made Social Studies come alive for any and every person he taught, whether child or adult. I have always loved history, but I remember being spellbound as I listened to him teach those of us who would be the Social Studies lead teachers in the days of Model lessons.
Not only was he amazing to learn from, he was a delightful person who listened when you spoke and made you feel like you and your words were very important to him. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
So sorry to hear about his passing. I only know Frank from trainings I’ve attended that were lead by him. He was a real motivator and had such passion for what he did. Breaks my heart to know one of the good guys is gone from this world.
Humble spirit. I didn’t know him personally, but was always greeted you with a warm smile and a friendly hello.
Rest in Peace Mr. Whiteside. It was a pleasure to have known you.
A true asset to education and a great mentor to many…you will truly be missed my friend…
Several years ago, I had the privilege of attending several Saturday Social Studies Symposiums which were put together by Mr. Whiteside and Mr. Dorsey. Both of these gentlemen brought such joy and enthusiasm to the realm of Social Studies, and encouraged me to attempt to do the same.
Mr. Whiteside was a very kind, thoughtful, and respectable man and educator. I admired him for his passion and dedication to his craft. He will truly be missed.
Mr. Whiteside was an amazing man with a warm smile and a friendly hello at all times. A humble spirit…rest in peace, Mr. Whiteside. It was a pleasure to have known you. You made a lot of my mornings joyful to be at work.
Frank was a member of my church and passionate about worship and service. He was a preacher, a teacher and a good soul. He was very straightforward, direct and honest, but gentle at the same time. I admired him deeply and will miss him greatly. He touched many, many lives.
Frank Whiteside was my brother, but I never had the opportunity to meet him face to face. However, I wish him and I could have spent some quality brother time together. I appreciate and admire the compassion all his friends have had for him. May GOD bless you all for expressing how loved my brother was by so many. Thank you all.