The St. Louis Public School District has presented the 2012 Dorothy R. Moog Special Education Teacher of the Year Award to Ms. Rhea Willis from Beaumont Career and Technical (CTE) High School.
A third generation educator, Ms. Willis has broken down education barriers by teaching students with and without disabilities together as the chair of the school’s Science Department.
“I pondered how to get students to engage together in a cooperative learning activity and decided to have them participate in a kinesthetic lab rat dissection activity,” said Willis.
“There were 35 students, some with disabilities and some without, working together as a team with differentiated worksheets and instructions that met each individual’s learning ability. You couldn’t distinguish which students had disabilities and which students did not. It was a wonderful experience.”
Willis joined the district in as a Special Education teacher in 2003; previously she worked eight years at the St. Louis County Special School District. She was recommended by Michael Brown, principal of Beaumont CTE High School; Ms. Linda Harding, Special Education Department Chair at Beaumont CTE High School; and Ms. Alverta Mooney Smith, RN and Health Careers Specialist/Health Sciences/Certified Nurse Assistant at Beaumont CTE High School.
As the 2012 Dorothy R. Moog Special Education Teacher of the Year Ms. Rhea Willis was honored with an awards reception and presented with a $500 award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation. In addition, she was presented with a trophy, a plaque, and a $500 award for classroom supplies and/or professional development through the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.
Culinaire Academy announces classes
L’École Culinaire Academy announces a new selection of more than 50 classes this January and February designed for professional and amateur “chefs” regardless of skill level. Participants can expand their cooking abilities and advance their techniques while learning a variety of recipes for entrees and desserts, wine appreciation and everything in-between. Classes are taught in the industry-current kitchen at L’École Culinaire Academy, 9200 Olive Boulevard, Suite 108, in Olivette.
For those who want to learn how New Year’s bubbly is made and what makes it taste so good, the Academy is offering “Sparkling Wine Tasting and Production” on January 3, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The January class schedule at the Academy is loaded with tips to begin the new year.
On January 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. one can learn to create roasted pork belly, carnitas, and grilled pork tenderloin in the “All Things Pork” course. “Super Superbowl Snacks” courses are offered on Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Jan. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. to expand expertise in crafting delicious finger foods to enjoy while watching the game.
“Cooking should be fun and rewarding for all ages and skill levels. Classes like these allow everyone to experience the joy and fun that cooking evokes, and offer the opportunity to try out new things.” said Chef Matthew Borchardt, Director of L’École Culinaire Academy. “Our classes will equip the every-day chef with the skills, recipes and confidence to prepare delicious meals and treats.”
The February schedule delivers the interesting seasonal class “Mardi Gras Favorites”, offered Feb. 2 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Students will learn to prepare delicious Creole cuisines including traditional craw fish etoufee, jumbalaya, and red beans and rice.
From Feb. 11 through 12, 6 to 9 p.m., the “Date Night Spain” course coaches students through a Spanish meal made of Manchego and Piquillo pepper crostini, shrimp and chorizo skewers, accompanied by asparagus with jamon. A “Valentine’s Day Cookie Exchange” course is offered for kids on February 9 from 10 am to 1 pm.
All classes are taught at the L’Ecole Culinaire Academy for Culinary Development in Olivette. To register for a class, to view a full list of classes and schedules and for more information, visit www.lecoleacademy.com or call 314-264-1999.
L’Ecole Culinaire Academy offers gourmet cooking courses designed for the public. Classes range from cooking to wine tasting; ice carving to baking. The 2,000-square-foot facility is equipped with high-end residential appliances to give students the feel of a home kitchen. L’Ecole Culinaire Academy is located at 9200 Olive Boulevard, Suite 108, in the Shoppes at Price Crossing, Olivette. More information about the Academy can be found at www.lecoleacademy.com or by calling 314-264-1999.
