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Teachings go from tip to toe

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: July 15, 2009

PLANT CITY - The cosmetology course taught by Plant City businesswoman Gina Lynn Connor has soared under her tutelage, says the principal who nominated her for the countywide educator of the year award she received recently.

"Since Lynn came into the program in 2004, the cosmetology program has really taken off," said Steve Barta, the Plant City Adult and Community School administrator, the program's evening principal for seven years.

The School District of Hillsborough County Outstanding Adult Educator of the Year award was presented to Connor during an awards breakfast at Nature's Classroom this year.

"Lynn creates a mood of excellence in the classroom that is infectious. She loves her craft and wants her students to do the same thing," Barta said.

"If you judge Lynn's success as a teacher by the number of her students that pass the state cosmetology exam on the first try, then she is more than outstanding. She is amazing," Barta said.

"Over 90 percent of her students pass the test the first time out. That is really impressive and very high compared to similar programs in the county," Barta said. "Lynn wants her students to be creative, passionate about their work, pass the exam and make lots of money in the field."

In 1987-88, Connor completed the same program she now teaches. The owner and operator of Tip To Toe Nail Salon, 101 S. Alexander St., Connor returned to teach the nail program at the school from 1990-96.

Connor and peer instructor Patsy Campbell teach class from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Campbell, who instructs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, owns and operates Patsy's Cut & Curl in St. Cloud, near Kissimmee.

From 3:30 to 7 p.m. on those days, the students, who numbered 35 last semester, provide services to the public at greatly discounted rates.

Connor, 43, was also recognized June 4 when more than 600 Hillsborough County adult students participated in graduation ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

During the last week of classes for the spring semester, Connor was in the hospital recovering from medical complications that will keep her out of the classroom for several months.

From June 23 to July 1 she was at South Florida Baptist Hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics to overcome the effects of lymph edema, a serious infection that can be life-threatening. She continued the treatments at home for another 11 days. She is also receiving non-narcotic medication to alleviate the pain from reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

On July 2, a lawsuit prepared on Connor's behalf was filed against the city of Plant City and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. It alleges Connor's medical problems are the result of injuries incurred Nov. 18 during a motorcycle demonstration outside Plant City police headquarters, where she was a spectator as part of a Chamber Leadership Class.

Two other spectators who were injured filed separate lawsuits on July 2.

"What I want to do more than anything is recover to a point where I can return to work at Tip To Toe and to teach in the classroom in August," Connor said.

Connor was born in Tampa and moved to the Cork area north of Plant City with her family when she was in elementary school. She graduated Plant City High School in 1983 and attended the University of Florida for two years, attaining an associate's degree.

"I retuned to Plant City and took an adult education class in cosmetology in 1987-88," Connor said. "Then I passed the state license exam and went to work at a salon in 1988."

After three years, Connor opened Tip To Toe, and from 1990-96 taught adult classes part time at Plant City High.

"The shop is doing great. But I went back to teaching full time in 2004," Connor said. "I really love it. The school, the administrators, the teaching assistants and the students are the best. I can't wait to get back for the next semester."

Students give Connor a lot of credit for their success in the classroom. Doris Williamson Salter, a class member now in the antique furniture business, said Connor keeps everyone on track.

"Lynn tells it like it is," Salter said. "We have fun in class but we know that Lynn means business. She teaches us to be confident, show up on time and do the required work every day. She really knows what she is talking about."

Jonathon Chapple, one of several male students in the class, graduated from Armwood High in 2008. He says Connor's teaching style is authoritative, but fair.

"She lets you have fun if you get your work done," Chapple said. "She gets on me at times, but it's usually my fault when she does. We are all here for the same reason, and that is to pass the class, pass the state exam and get a job," he said.

"She does everything she can to get it done."

Connor invited four former students to address her class the day before the June 30 end of the quarter: Kathy Shinn, owner of Shear Expressions; Stephanie Simmons, owner of a Lakeland salon; Stephanie Carr, owner of The Artistry Salon; and Brady Chason, who works at Devine Design in Brandon.

Each shared their experiences, answered questions and encouraged students to let their personalities shine through when working with the public.

"You have to realize that a number of stylists can give that same cut, apply the same color, that same look," Carr said. "But it's your personality, the way you interact with the client, that can really make a difference," Carr said.

Encouraging students to remain optimistic, Shinn said, "Don't be afraid about finding work. Once you finish here and get your license there are a lot of places for you to find employment," she said.

"There is a place for everyone. All you need to do is apply yourself and want to make it your career."

That is why Connor drives them so hard in class.

"If they have passion for their work, they can't miss," Connor said.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 627-4735.

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