About The Teacher

NAME: Mrs. Jaco

SCHOOL: Sunrise R-IX School District

CLASSES/TITLE: Director of Special Education, Speech Therapy

SCHOOL PHONE: (636)586-6660

About The Teacher

                                Biography
 
    I have been married to my husband, Emery for 37 years.  I have a 
daughter, Heather who is also a teacher.  She is an LD teacher in the 
Bismarck School District.  My family and I live on a small farm.  I have two 
dogs, a cat, and a small herd of cattle.

    I received my Associate of Arts degree from Mineral Area College, Park 
Hills, Missouri; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Missouri 
Baptist University, St. Louis, Missouri; Middle School Social Studies 
Certification, Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis, Missouri; Gifted 
Education Certification, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; 
and my Master of Science in Classroom Teaching from Missouri Baptist 
University, St. Louis, Missouri. 

    I am currently working on a second Masters in Counseling at Missouri 
Baptist University, St. Louis, Missouri.

    My hobbies include horseback riding, motorsports (NASCAR, dirt track 
racing, etc) and being outdoors.

    This is my 8th year with the Sunrise School District.  I truly enjoy my 
job.  I couldn’t ask for a friendlier and more supporting staff.  And, most 
important, my children are a real joy to work with.


                                My Philosophy

      In education, I believe that I must strive for excellence for I am 
educating the leaders of tomorrow.  Education is the process that forms the 
fundamental disposition, both intellectually and emotionally.  Education 
enables one to make wiser decisions therefore one can function more 
efficiently within our society.  While I keep the best interest of my 
students in mind at all times, I do what is most effective for each 
individual student.  John Dewey, educational philosopher quoted “I believe 
that the teacher is engaged, not simply in the training of individuals, but 
in the formation of the proper social life.”  I believe this quote reinforces 
my belief that I am educating the leaders of tomorrow, therefore I must 
educate them on society’s current issues, preparing them to face an ever-
changing world.

     I believe that every child is capable of learning.  Sometimes we must 
search for that magical method that will enable each child to succeed.  It is 
my belief that I should strive to meet the needs of each individual child, no 
matter what measures I must take.  By meeting these needs, I will build trust 
with my students.  With this trust, I will reap the rewards of the high 
expectations that I have for my students.  With high expectations, my 
students will learn to be successful.  

I believe that most students do not care how much I know or what philosophy 
is the basis for my teaching.  Instead, I believe that my students want to 
know how much I care about their success and well-being and that I will be 
their safety net if they should fail.  I believe I should always be ready and 
willing to assist my students with their physical, social and emotional needs.

     I believe it is in the best interest of my students to always keep the 
door of communication open with parents/guardians.  I feel that be keeping 
the parent/guardian informed, together we can better meet the student’s needs.

    I believe that an effective classroom should accommodate diverse 
learners, no matter what the situation may be.  Students should also be 
taught about the diverse cultures and lifestyles of our ever-changing 
society.  This will allow the student a better understanding of the world and 
of oneself.

     Teachers must realize that curriculum is a major factor in education.  
I believe that I should teach a curriculum that is designated by my school 
district, but in doing so I must make the lessons fun and interesting for my 
students.  I also feel that students learn a great deal through interaction 
with peers.  For this reason, I feel that cooperative learning is very 
beneficial.  I believe an effective classroom should consist of good 
classroom management.  This begins with a calm, safe, and caring atmosphere; 
one in which a student is comfortable and can clearly comprehend the task at 
hand.  I feel that an orderly classroom allows for more effective 
student/teacher communication.  I believe that by discussing the problem with 
the child and coming to an agreement concerning the consequences, the child 
better understands the true meaning of inappropriate behavior.  

     I firmly believe that as an educator I am responsible for teaching my 
students academics, morals, values, problem-solving and decision-making 
skills.  I feel that by teaching my students to be successful early on, I 
have prepared the next generation to live productive, successful lives 
enabling them to function effectively in an ever-changing society.

Mission For The Class

                            Mission Statement

    I will provide a safe and secure learning environment for my student.  I 
will help each individual student to obtain his or her goals.  I will give my 
students the opportunity to be successful by using a variety of methods and 
strategies while teaching.  Students will be given the opportunity to become 
familiar with the meaning of teamwork through cooperative learning 
experiences.  I will model respect, honesty, compassion, and trust to my 
students.  I will be the source of support and encouragement that my students 
will need to become knowledgeable, thus maximizing their abilities.