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
1970-72 | M.A. Education of Exceptional Child, San Francisco State University |
1966-70 | B.A. History and Journalism, San Francisco State University |
Teaching Experience
1989- present | Discovery (PreK-4 inclusion), Oak Grove School District, San Jose, CA |
1996-01 | Adjunct Faculty Member, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA |
1986-91 | Mentor Teacher (Tech & Reading), Oak Grove School District, San Jose, CA |
1973-89 | Special Day Class (PreK-3), Oak Grove School District, San Jose, CA |
1972-73 | Special Day Class (3-6), San Francisco Unified School District, CA |
Special Honors, Awards and Presentations
2003 | Shaklee Teacher Award |
2002 | California Council Of Exceptional Children's Exemplary Teacher Award |
2002 | Time For Kids' Teaching Excellence Award |
2001 | USA Today All-USA First Team Teacher Award |
2001 | Oak Grove School District's Maximum Use Of Resources Vision Award |
1999 | National Music Foundation's Honorable Mention Award |
1998 | Walt Disney's American Teacher Award |
1997,98 | Intel Innovations In Teaching Award |
1993 | California School Board Foundation's Golden Bell Award |
1982 | California Council Of Administrators Of Special Education Award |