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 Starlen Palmer has added to their wishlist Sep 17, 2011
Mrs. Starlen Palmer
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Gladden Elementary School
Hometown:
Belton
Class Information:
Room Number: 5
Students per Class: 23
Class Description:
My class each year is consistent in what I call the "Bell Curve Demographic" - I typically have a small group of high to above average and below to well-below average academically performing students. The "meat" of my students usually perform in the average range. Every year I also have a small group of children with special needs. I request all of the students with Autism every school year. This year I support three students that have moderately-severeAutism and two students with Down's Syndrome.
Position:
Teacher
Needs:
My first need is literacy-based. This year we are running a "Sight Word Challenge" - students have 20 sight words on a binder ring at one time; they must be able to read and spell each word to me in five different challenges; they remove the words from the ring and keep it in a special folder to show their progress; once they have 20 words removed they can pick out a book of their own. I need assitance in obtaining books for the Challenge. My second need is on a grander scale. In keeping up with technological advances, I am researching venues for obtaining netbooks for each student in my class. Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) along with strong literacy-based support will only enhance my students experiences in these formative years and hopefully sow the seed of them becoming life-long learners.
My Philosophy:
Every person in the class has a gift/talent that makes them exceptional people. Every person in the class also has an area(s) with which they struggle. We work on discovering these gifts, talents, and struggles as individuals, and then, we use them to improve the learning experiences for ourselves and others. Once students recognize their talents and weaknesses they are ready to help those in need or seek the needed resources to improve their own learning.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I was born and raised in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. At 27 my husband received orders to move to Kansas City, MO. Since then, my husband has retired from the Marine Corps, and we now call Belton, MO our home. Ron and I have two children, Alan and Marisa. Alan, our oldest, was diagnosed in the Autism Spectrum when he was five. He is working on becoming an accomplished artist. Marisa is a competitive gymnast and a newly nominated member of the National Elementary Honor Society.
College and Degrees:
I graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City with a Bachelors of Art degree. I hope to continue my Master's program in the Summer of 2012 in Curriculum and Instruction, and then, go on to get a 20-hour certificate in Autism.
Favorite Books:
My all-time favorite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. One would think I would enjoy this book because it is about a governess. This book actually strikes such a cord with me because Jane is able to go beyond the class-system of 1800's England and acquires wealth and the man she loves. This book was truly ahead of its time - I only wish I could have been there when it was published and received.
Favorite Quotes:
Not everyone's IQ can be computed in a quantative measure. Historical genius has also been demonstrated through qualitative means also. author unknown
Interests:
In good weather I enjoy working in my flower gardens. In recent seasons I have begun to experiment with container gardens with flowering plants and vegatables. This Fall we planted our first fruit trees. I read for pleasure when there is not a "homework" assignment for work, and I love plugging my headphones into my computer and watching Bollywood movies on Netflix.
Employment History:
I worked in the restaurant industry for the 10 years before becoming a teacher. After becoming a mom I realized this line of work was not ideal for my situation, so I returned to school. My first teaching position was the Hickman Mills School District where I taught for two years. I worked in the Belton School District for summer school and was hired full time when I applied for a teaching position in 2006. This is my 7th year working in Belton.
Why Do I Teach?:
I teach because I know this is how I can truly make an impact on my community. Through teaching I know I am taking part in an amazing process of growth and understanding. I feel as though through teaching I have a bigger impact on my community than I do by voting (but I still vote).
Percent of Students are:
     At-risk: 22 %
     Average: 65 %
     High-achiever: 13 %
     Special Needs: 35 %
Average number of students in class:: 23 students
Number of students I teach:: 23 students