Welcome to Mrs. Jaco’s Speech/Gifted Classroom!

Biography

    I have been married to my husband, Emery for 35 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 6^th year with the Sunrise School District.  I truly enjoy my job.  I couldn’t ask for a friendlier and 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 would and of oneself.

Teachers must realize that curriculum is the 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 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.

What I Teach…

Speech

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Gifted Education

Tuesday & Thursday