Laurie Finkenkeller
Fifth Grade Teacher
Language Arts Specialist B.S., University of Missouri- St. Louis |
Laurie Finkenkeller has devoted 31 of her nearly 40-year career to The Wilson School. For the past 13 years, she has served as the co-teacher for fifth grade and one of the language arts specialists for fifth and sixth grades. Laurie works hard to incorporate best practices of teaching literacy in her classroom and is constantly looking for ways to improve. In April of 2007, Laurie participated in a week-long internship with the international teacher of the year, Nancie Atwell. She presented at the 2010 WLU conference and presented at the Fontbonne University Summer Literacy Institute for five years. She has been a guest lecturer for teaching reading classes at both Fontbonne University and UMSL. Currently, she is a member of a committee that reviews professional books for the teacher magazine, Talking Points. She was one of the first recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award from The Wilson School. In addition, she has received the MO-CAPE Teacher of Achievement Award for Motivation and the Emerson Electric’s Teacher of Achievement Award.
Laurie structures the classroom, so that story can take its rightful place in the students’ hearts. Once their hearts are full of love for literature and writing, they are on the road toward the literary lives they so deserve. |
