This pic was a blatant attempt to cajole favor from the judges. I'd like to thank all of my students who signed the board and say, "It paid off!! Come and see the room when it is finished!"
My name is Cleo Barrett and I am addicted to learning. I teach 6th grade Math and Social Studies at Yale Junior High. I wanted our classroom space to be redesigned to better serve students who are now used to learning and finding information immediately as needed, rather than as a requirement to memorize things to please others. Envisioning a space that could work with a variety of learning styles, while providing a stimulating yet comfortable place, would match up with what today's students really desire. I think of school as a portal to all opportunities, rather than as a confining, stupefying place to train students to behave in certain ways.
To the Bat Cave! I mean, my Future Room, which will be similar in awesomeness...
Enough About Me
My name is Cleo Barrett and I absolutely, positively love to learn. My grandmother once told me that a creative person is never bored, so I never am--I find some way to use part, but not all, of my creative energies. If I were not a teacher, I believe I would like to be a meteorologist or a poet. The best part of the day for me is very early, like at 4:30 a.m. I can think powerfully when I first get up and especially if I can go outside and listen to the universe. I believe in the power of perseverance, and I really do not give up. Some people call it stubborn, I call it Grit. Born in 1954, I have been married for 44 years; I have four grandchildren, four children and one husband. I graduated first from Oakland, then later with a Master's Degree from Central Michigan. I currently teach at the Yale Junior High, one of the best schools I know, and I love this age group because as all who know me will attest, I have never grown up!
I love being outside at my house. In the winter we see all types of animals like deer and turkeys at our many feeders. In the spring and summer, I enjoy planting flowers, herbs and tomatoes. The orange one is a dinner plate dahlia and white ones are daffodils. When I am not gardening, I am usually spending time outside on trails walking or spoiling my dog or grandchildren.