Larry Statler
2003 Inductee

Santa Teresa Elementary School
San Jose, California
Total years as a classroom teacher: 30

"Every Child Deserves A Special Education." - Larry Statler

Larry helped create the Discovery program that is a model of successful collaboration between special and general educators. The program enables students of all ability levels to work in an environment designed to empower every child to achieve his or her maximum potential while fostering self-esteem and an understanding and acceptance of individual differences.

He feels his greatest asset as a person and a teacher is that he never gives up on a child. He states, "Somehow, I will light a flame that will inspire a child who is lost and floundering and give him/her a beacon to follow out of the maze of failure in which he/she is engulfed."

Larry coordinated a partnership with the Children's Musical Theater of San Jose that brings community artists into the school to collaborate on a multi-graded theater arts program that impacts over 300 students.

"Although he is 'officially' a special education teacher, Mr. Statler is truly a 'man for all children' and touches the life of every student at Santa Teresa." --Barry Whittall, Principal

"I think the greatest legacy any 'man' can leave on this earth is a life of caring, sharing and sacrifice for another human being. Larry Statler has a legacy that extends beyond the horizons." --Darlene Mulliner, Colleague

Education

Teaching Experience

Special Honors, Awards and Presentations