Our Faculty Friday Spotlight this week is on JKW teacher Darla Ellsworth! Darla is a veteran educator, with 40 years of experience, certified in early childhood education and learning disabilities. Her calm demeanor provides a perfect complement to energetic 4-year-olds, and she’s quick to adapt lessons to better engage her students. Darla is also an expert at getting to know exactly what each child needs to thrive. (And she’s well-known with the faculty for the yummy homemade baked goods she brings in to share!) She was also on the cover of Ladue News recently with some JKers doing a science experiment. Take a look at that article! Let’s learn some more:
Favorite subject to teach? I love to read books to the JK children. It is magical to see the wonder and excitement in their eyes as the story unfolds.
Defining moment as an educator? When I worked as a teaching aide while in college, one of the students in our classroom met a huge unexpected milestone. I wanted to help other children reach their potential.
Best CS Memory: Being welcomed as a new teacher.
Why Community? I love to team teach and Community provides that opportunity.
Favorite spot on campus? The Discovery Center
Favorite food? Lobster
Favorite team? The St. Louis Cardinals!!
Favorite band/musical group? I like a variety: rock, classical, pop, international music
States lived in? Just Missouri
Hobbies? I love spending time with my grandchildren and also enjoy reading, boating, arts and crafts, and sewing.
Family? I am married and have 3 grown daughters and three grandchildren.
Favorite music? I love the Oldies.
Favorite children’s author? Tomie dePaola because he writes about an Italian grandmother.
Favorite memory from your time as a student? Singing in choir in high school