Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I have always thought of myself as a teacher from the time I was a little girl teaching to my stuffed animals on my bed, grading papers, and taking attendance.  I felt like I had a gift for explaining  the math to my classmates.   I was always very athletic and thought I could teach physical education.  Since the openings for physical education was scarce, my father encouraged me to major in math and minor in physical education, which is exactly what I did.  I was hired in 1984 to do just that:  Teach math and use my physical education minor to coach swimming at Batchelor Middle School.

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
I have always tried to be fair with my students and embraced my own shortcomings and have encouraged my students to learn from their mistakes.  I always tell students that if there is a mistake they feel I have made whether it be in my grading or instruction to let me know.  I am not afraid to admit if I made a mistake and I love to hear when students correct anything  I may have said or done.  This shows me they are really paying attention and are taking ownership  with their learning. 
I feel as though I am friendly with my students.  I love to hear about their interests, hobbies, and activities.  Many students over the years have parents who have been former students of mine.  I enjoy it so much when a student says to me that I was their mom or dad’s math teacher.
Lastly, I feel that I make a connection with students by being  fashion - conscious. I love to compliment students on their attire and enjoy when a student compliments me on mine. 

​​What makes your school unique?

• University has always been a global school because of its population. There are thirty-five countries and thirty-two languages spoken by our families and students. University originally was a lab school and part of the Indiana University Campus.


• University is a PYP/IB (Primary Years Program. International Baccalaureate) school. We are part of a group of schools across the globe that make teaching through inquiry our priority. All subjects are taught through six major transdisciplinary themes. Units are fluidly written, and students use inquiry skills to learn about the world around them. We want to empower them to be globally-minded citizens that feel inspired and moved to take some type of action that will make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.

 
How did you first get into education?
I started as a business major at IU and took an interest in inventory that helped me look into switching my major to education. I worked at the IU Bookstore to earn spending money. While there I met another girl, who was majoring in elementary education. After talking with her and helping her with her assignment, I decided I might have something to offer to future elementary school students.

When I was in school, I was one of those kids that loved school so much, I would rather go to school sick than have to stay home and miss out on something! As an education major, I decided t wanted to become a teacher that would provide those same kinds of experiences to my students! Growing up in Bloomington, I had so many wonderful teachers. They were the reason I wanted to go to school every single day. They made learning and being in school so fun and exciting.

What is the program’s mission statement, and what are its primary goals?  How would you describe it to someone unfamiliar with it?
The purpose of MCCSC Adult Education’s Indiana Online Only Distance Education for English Language Learning program is to provide instruction for adult English language learners locally and throughout the State.  We partner on this project with Vincennes University, who has an IOODE program for adults studying for the high school equivalency tests.  We envisioned that a similar opportunity for English Language acquisition would complement this effort and afford English language learners an equitable opportunity to develop the skills they need to achieve the following goals:
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1. Become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills they need for employment and economic self-sufficiently;
2. Obtain education and skills they need to become full partners in the educational development of their children and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities of their families;
3. Obtain a secondary diploma and transition to postsecondary education and training through career pathways; and
4. Improve their reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, comprehension skills in English and their understanding of the American system of government and responsibilities of citizenship.

​To describe it to someone unfamiliar with it, the program consists of English classes offered through videoconferencing and online software for adults at various skill levels both locally and throughout the State to help them learn English as a new language.

Why did you choose the field of education as a career?
I started my professional life in the business world, but when I began volunteering in schools as a mentor and literacy coach everything in my life changed. I chose the field of education because I was passionate about using my energy and talents to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I went back to graduate school, jumped into the classroom, and never looked back. In the last 16 years, I have taught over 2,000 students in grades 7-12. Every single one has left an imprint on my heart. My students simply amaze me with their courage, perseverance, creativity, intelligence, and humor, and it is for them that I teach and continue to learn each day.

Choose three words to describe your educational philosophy that guides you as an educator.
Three words that describe my educational philosophy and guide me as an educator are growth, relationships, and engagement. My focus is always on continuous learning and growth--substantive, enduring changes in students’ thinking and the ways in which they relate to their world. For them to be ready to embark on that kind of transformational journey, strong personal relationships grounded in trust are the foundation. Finally, in every lesson or learning experience I design, I strive to engage students by connecting to their experiences, piquing their curiosity, and igniting a passion for our studies. Only when all three of these are working together can students achieve their personal best.

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Success School is proud to announce the recipients of the 20th Annual Educator of the Year Awards.
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For two decades now, Chamber’s Success School has championed excellence in education with the annual awards ceremony, which recognizes the best teachers and programs in accredited schools across Monroe County. This year eight educators, one educational program, and one lifetime achievement recipient will be honored in a community celebration at the 20th Annual Educator of the Year Awards to be held on the evening of Thursday, March 4th, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Unlike the first 19 ceremonies, this year awards will be presented in an online ceremony via Zoom. The program will still feature student led entertain with a performance from the Edgewood High School Choir. Presenting sponsors, Cook Group and Solution Tree, will also join the Chamber in presenting our honorees with their awards.

Awardees are selected from a pool of nominees from across Monroe County by a committee composed of leaders from the public sector, business community, and education. The awardees for 2021 are as follows.

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and The Success School join our community in expressing sorrow at news of Keith Klein’s recent passing and gratitude for his decades of service to Bloomington/Monroe County.

“Our condolences go out to Keith’s family and many friends,” said Erin Predmore, the Chamber’s President and CEO. “His public service, generosity and dedication made our community a better place.”

Keith is perhaps best known as a broadcaster, working for more than 20 years as WTIU’s program director. He served as Master of Ceremonies for many local events, including the July 4th parade and Festival of Lights. He also has been a trustee for the Monroe County Community School Corp. since 2009, representing District 5.
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“Keith took great pride in his service to our community, and the sheer number of students, teachers, families, and athletes he congratulated and supported over the years is incredible,” Predmore said. “He will be missed by many.”

The Success School is the philanthropic arm of the Chamber of Commerce, working in partnership with MCCSC and RBBSC to produce graduates ready for work, career and success.  For 30 years, Chamber member volunteers have led career panels, elementary career fairs, job skills seminars, financial literacy classes, job shadowing, STEM and Life Science Fairs, and Reality Stores ®, exposing K-12 students to excellent career opportunities in Monroe County.
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Guided by the Success School Advisory Council, the programs focus on five keys: Career Exploration, Job Skills, Financial Readiness, Soft Skills and Entrepreneurship. Each program is developed to align with Indiana curriculum standards and designed to support work already occurring in the classroom.