Kohl McCormick Early Childhood Teaching Awards
Mei-Ling Clapp
Independence School
Bartlett
Mei-Ling is a dynamic educator from Puerto Rico who serves as an excellent role model for other educators who have moved to the United States. Clapp teaches two public and state prekindergarten classes at the Independence School in Bartlett, Illinois. Working primarily in Spanish, she has developed an effective bilingual literacy program in her area.
Clapp teaches in a blended program that includes special education, at risk and typically developed students. "Mei-Ling has consistently volunteered to take on the most challenging special students," says her principal, Dr. Linda Kunesh. She is masterful at working with youngsters who are at risk and who have special needs. "I am a firm believer in the blended program concept," declares Clapp. One of the things Clapp says she finds most rewarding is "how the children interact with and learn from each other."
Clapp came to the United States at the age of 26 after graduating from the University of Puerto Rico. She cites her grandmother, who was also her kindergarten teacher, as her greatest influence as a teacher. Clapp recalls, "I always knew I wanted to work with children."
"I believe it is crucial to maintain a constant connection between home and school," says Clapp. "Although many of my students' parents are lacking as much as a high school education, they do have the desire to learn how to best help their children."
"Mei-Ling has had a positive impact not only on the lives of the students and their families, but she has had a positive impact on her colleagues," relates fellow educator Nancy Zapatosky. She has taken it upon herself to mentor a number of first-year bilingual teachers, spending her own time to make sure they have a successful first year in the classroom.
"I love my job," proclaims Clapp. A thankful group of colleagues, students and parents are glad that she does.