2002 Outstanding Rural Elementary Teacher
Laura Shifflet
has been a member of the Kings City R-I School District for the past 18 years. Mrs. Shifflet's commitment to her professional area of art instruction as well as her desire to work towards district-established goals has been astounding. Mrs. Shifflet uses her abilities to promote the rural lifestyle with her involvement in a local Farm Wives Group, which promotes rural and farming endeavors which is the basis for the entire community. A member of the staff describes Mrs. Shifflett as a great ambassador for our school district.
She has been described as a very talented art teacher that motivates the students to excel in his or her area. She has the unique ability to get students to reach their potential, especially when they do not realize that they have it. Mrs. Shifflett is a demanding teacher expecting the best from each student, but has the gift of making art interesting for ALL students.
In addition to her deserved reputation as an outstanding art instructor, Mrs. Shifflett has been successful in writing several grants for the King City School District. Actually the grants she has written has contributed over $266,000 worth of moneys for the district in areas of technology, reading, arts and literature and community involvement.
In addition to the regular school day, Mrs. Shifflett spends extra hours working as the Missouri Assessment Program Team leader as she works for quality instructional improvement for the district. Other professional responsibilities include sponsorship of the National Honor Society and the Academic Team. She has provided continued support to the local and county 4-H group, offering not only leadership and organizational skills but on-going education to the children involved, serving as project leader in many different areas. In addition she has always provided support for the summer baseball leagues and in keeping the local swimming pool open, for which her children and others in the community have benefited.
Other recognition's include her selection as the local "Employee of the Quarter" on two different occasions. She was also selected as a finalist for the MSTA Northwest District Educator Award.