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Mrs. JoLynn Plato
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Irving Elementary
Hometown:
Bloomington, IL
Class Information:
Room Number: 201
Students per Class: 25
Class Description:
My fourth grade classroom is filled with curious, creative learners. Our inner-city classroom takes pride in student growth in academics and character development. Each day we state in our school pledge to "support learning by being courteous, cooperative, and committed members of the Irving School community." That sets the tone for our class and its learning throughout our entire day.
Position:
Grade 4 Teacher
Needs:
Our economy is such that we are having to cut teachers, which means an increase in class sizes for several in my building. The loss of a fourth grade teacher for next year will double my class size. If I can increase the amount of technology available, this can help engage students and create the autonomy necessary with a large class size. I can design a program that allows for student ownership of learning as well.
My Philosophy:
Each child can succeed. It is my job to set up an environment and a path for this to happen for each student.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am the youngest of 8 children. My hometown is Reading, Pennsylvania. I married my husband in 1992, then becoming a permanent resident of Illinois. I have two terrific sons, a great, supportive family, outstanding colleagues, and good friends. I currently reside in Bloomington, IL, where I teach fourth graders after mainly teaching middle school students during my 20-year career. I am constantly learning about and training others on educational technology. I also work with pre-service and new teachers throughout my school year, assisting them in their transition into what I consider the best profession on the planet.
College and Degrees:
Blackburn College, BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics, 1991 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,Master of Education in Curriculum, Technology, and Education Reform, 2000 | National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence/EnglishLanguage Arts, 2001-present
Activities:
Zumba | Social Networking | Learning about autism and how to help my sons, who are both on the spectrum
Favorite Books:
The Twilight Series | Teaching with Love and Logic | Touching Spirit Bear | Esperanza Rising | The Thing About Georgie | The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 | Jackie's Nine | Number the Stars | Night
Favorite Quotes:
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Interests:
Crafting | Scrapbooking | Cardmaking | Rubber Stamping
Employment History:
June 2008 – Present; Grade 4 Teacher Irving Elementary School, Bloomington, Illinois || August 2006 – June 2008; Grade 6 Math, English, and Reading Instructor BloomingtonJunior High School, Bloomington, Illinois || August 2000 – June 2001; June 2002- August 2006; Grade 6 Math, Science, and Reading Instructor; Mathematics Department Chair BloomingtonJunior High School, Bloomington, Illinois || August 2001 – June 2002; Grade 7 Math Instructor BloomingtonJunior High School, Bloomington, Illinois || August 1999 – June 2000; Grade 7 Language Arts Instructor BenjaminFranklin Middle School, Springfield, Illinois || August 1992 – June 1999; K-8 Technology Instructor, K-8 Enrichment Coordinator, Grades 5-8 Resource Instructor, Grade 6 English Instructor, and Grade 7 English, Literature, Speech, and Religion Instructor BlessedSacrament School, Springfield, Illinois || August 1991 - June 1992; Grade 1 Teacher St. Peter School, Reading, Pennsylvania
Why Do I Teach?:
I believe every child can learn. My job is to help each find his/her path.
Percent of Students are:
     Special Needs: 5 %
Percent of Students are:
     White/Caucasian : 42 %
     Hispanic: 10 %
     African American: 37 %
     Asian: 1 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 77 %
Average number of students in class:: 20 students
Number of students I teach:: 27 students