NAME:
Shelley Keeler
SCHOOL:
Lakeland Elementary School
CLASS:
GATE (3-4-5)
SCHOOL PHONE:
253-945-3037
I was born in a small town in southwest Minnesota and lived my entire
childhood there. Westbrook was a farming community with many Scandinavian and
German heritages. Many of you may have heard of "Laura Ingalls-Wilder and
Walnut Grove; my hometown is about 10 minutes away from that town.) It's a
beautiful rural prairie area.
Upon graduating from high school, I served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed
at Ft. Ord, California, and Bremerhaven, West Germany. I served as a Finance
Specialist and Data Input Specialist, as well as receiving clerk of
Transmittal Letters (TL's) from over 200 units. After serving 4 years, I went
to college to study Music History and got my Bachelor of Arts in Piano
Performance with a Pedagogy Emphasis in teaching piano. For about 11 years, I
worked as a teacher's assistant in the local elementary school and started
wondering if I would be able to be a teacher that could make a difference in
students' lives. In 1997, we moved to Washington state where I got a job at
Lakeland as a Para-Educator. In 2002 I graduated with my Master's in Teaching
from City University. I interviewed at 3 schools, but Lakeland's principal
offered me a teaching job first, so I took the job. My first 2 years, I looped
from Third to Fourth Grade with the classroom. I really enjoyed that. Three
years ago, I was offered the honor of teaching the "Gifted And Talented
Education" students, and although I was leery, I accepted the offer. I have
thoroughly enjoyed teaching in a multi-age classroom. I enjoy teaching
students the curriculum in fresh new ways. I also enjoy the way the students
keep me active in their ways of thinking and new approaches to learning.
My immediate family still lives in Minnesota. My brother's family is now
living on our family farm, making it a 4-generation farm, and has been a
"Benson-homestead" for over 105 years. I still call it "my home." My parents
enjoy retired life, visiting us from time to time, and sending the students
"goodies" from "back home."
I have 2 sons, Brandon and Therron, 4 pets (3 cats: Keirra, Big Girl, and
Sissy; and 1 dog, a
greyhound: Kara.) I enjoy reading literature, completing Sudoko's,
counted-cross-stitch, music and playing the piano, walks with Kara, work-outs
with friends, and teaching~@@~and of course, my students!
Class' Mission: As a student body, to accept people for their uniqueness and
to honor what they bring to our classroom; to learn in a multi-age setting
that teaches us to work collaboratively and cooperatively.
Student's Mission: As an individual, to be respected, as well as to respect
others-inside and out; to be kind and helpful; to not accept excuses or make
any; to influence others to think and be responsible with RESPECT, TRUST, Joy,
AND GUSTO!
District's Mission: Every student is respected and honored for his or her
basic humanity. Every student is welcomed in each classroom and feels he or
she belongs there. Every student knows that all adults in his or her school
care deeply about not only his or her academic success but also his or her
development as a person. Every student knows that expectations for academic
performance are high and that there are adults present to assist him or her
reach lofty goals. Every student knows we believe in them.
Every student knows the expectations for behavior and academic performance and
believes he or she can reach them. Every student knows who to turn to if he
or she is in need of assistance. Every student knows his or her parents are
welcomed and invited to partner with us. I welcome parent mentors~please come
help out!
Teacher's Mission: As a teacher, I am committed to personal and professional
growth and development. I understand it is impossible to "maintain" and commit
to be better tomorrow than I was today. I understand that professional
performance has, at its foundation, a commitment for personal improvement and
I understand that our lives are really about becoming better people each and
every day. I know that I need to do what's right for every student, every day.
I recognize the worth of each student and give some of myself to all, not
just a few. I uplift each child, never meaning to cause any child to feel
humiliated or degraded. I understand that every parent is doing the best they
can, each day, given the circumstances in which they find themselves. I know
that parents send me their best children each and every day. I know that I
belong to a noble venture, one for which praise and honor will never match
impact, but that that impact shapes and preserves our Democracy.
To all my students and adults...What a wonderful journey it
is...thank you for allowing me to be part of your student's journey.
