Kathy Lockard

State:

Iowa

Years with PLS:

Since 1999

PLS courses I teach:

• Brain-Based Ways We Think and Learn®
• Building Communication and Teamwork in the Classroom®
• Classroom Management: Orchestrating a Community of Learners®
• Differentiated Instruction for Today’s Classroom®
• Discovering the Power of Live-Event Learning®
• Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms®
• Reading to Learn: Comprehension Instruction™
• Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility®

Why I love teaching PLS courses:

PLS courses are practical and user friendly. As one of my participants stated, "The course manual will have a prominent place on my desk as an essential guide to helping my students. I will refer to it often." When you walk away from any PLS course that you take, you have materials that are worthwhile and ready to use.

Education:

• B.S. in Education, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri
• M.A. in Teacher Effectiveness, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa

Teaching experience:

• 1st — 7 years
• 2nd — 9 years
• 4th — 2 years
• 5th — 1 year
• Junior High Learning Disabilities — 1 year

Related experience, recognition, awards, etc.:

• Consultant for Green Valley Area Education Agency
• Iowa Science Teachers Regional Director
• Studied space education at NASA in Houston, Texas
• Presented at both state and national science and math conventions
• Conduct numerous in-service trainings throughout our AEA for both teachers and Paraeducators

What I love most about teaching:

I love bringing education to life for students as well as adult PLS participants. No matter how tired I may be, I come to life when I am in front of students of any age. When I read the evaluations and see words like: "patient, helpful, understanding, very caring, open, positive, very knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and competent" it makes all the time and preparation worthwhile. I know that I'm good at what I do.

My favorite moment in teaching:

In 1992 I had a little boy in my first grade class that was quiet and shy and hated to work in school. Andy struggled throughout first grade but made wonderful progress. Unfortunately, Andy moved away shortly after school was out for the year. I regretted the fact that I would not be able to track his progress. About 6 months after he moved away, I received my first of many letters. Each time Andy would update me on his school activities, his family, his work, and even his first girlfriend. I was thrilled to be a part of Andy's life as he grew into a fine young man. In 1999 I looked out my classroom door and there was Andy with a rose in his hand for his "favorite teacher." Andy's letters continued and when he was ready to graduate from school I was thrilled to be one of the few invited guests to his graduation party. Teaching is making education come alive for all the Andy's out there!

Personal information:

I love counted cross stitch, embroidery, and reading. And, believe it or not, I love to clean my house — I even do windows!!