Lynda Neely's Lemon Curriculum

I am a teacher at Jackie Robinson School. This is a great school with an outstanding staff. The principal is Mrs. Rita Ware, a very progressive instructional leader. We have a full inclusion program for special education which is in its first year. I am a facilitator for the special education program. This is my second year with the Wit Institute. I am enrolled in the Passion Curriculum. This class has made my creative juices flow. I have had to really dig deep within to come up with a curriculum to keep students motivated. I think that student like anything that is novel. It grabs their attention.

Our school is an very actively involved with the University of Chicago which works very diligently to assist our students and staff with staff development programs and university tutors.

I am the Lead Teacher with our Gear Up program. I also serve as a mentor for new teacher support. I am also the teacher representative for our Local School Council.

My goals are simple: one to get through this program; and two, I have hopes to become a principal one day. My principal has shown me through fine example that good schools need good strong instructional leaders that believes in shared decision-making and collaboration.

I enjoy being a teacher. It is a very rewarding job. There are good days and bad ones. That is where I got my idea for my curriculum. I will try in my curriculum to show you how you can use a small item such as a lemon and make a whole curriculum from it. You know the old saying-If the world gives you lemon-make lemonade! Well, that's what I am going to attempt to do with my curriculum. I am going to show you how to make lemonade.The lemonade is having a good time while teaching and holding your student's attention. Watch out, you might have a good time too!