• Would you like to chat on a video call? I'm happy to assist you with any questions you may have. 
    Please feel free to reach out via email as well. 
     
    K. Rao in the Class
    Name: Mrs. Kelli Rao
    Email: kelli.rao@slps.org
     
    NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED- 
    EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS SPECIALIST
    GIFTED AND TALENTED
    National Board Certified 12.11.21
     
     
     
     
    Education:
    B.A. in English- May 2003 (University of Texas at Austin)
    Teaching Certification- Dec. 2004 (St. Edward's University)
    M.A. in Gifted Education- Aug. 2015 (Lindenwood University)
    Current: UMSL- St. Louis READING CERTIFICATION COHORT VIII
     
    Room Number(s): 251
    Subject(s): 8th grade ELA
    6th grade Speech/Drama
    7th grade Speech/Drama
     
    Google voice number:
    314-399-8466 (Please text here first)
    Messages are forwarded to my personal email. 
     
    Office hours: Bell Schedule is to be updated.
    Welcome. Thank you for taking time to learn about the teachers at McKinley CJLA. 
     
    This year, I teach students taking 8th grade ELA classes, 7th grade and 6th grade Speech and Drama. As of December 11, 2021, I earned National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist for Gifted and Talented students. It's 30-40% pass rate on the first try, so I am thrilled to be able to say that I earned my certification without any revisions. Yes- I have wanted this for more than a decade and I screamed and jumped around quite a bit with the news. :)
     
    Biography: Port Arthur, Texas is my hometown. I lived in Austin, TX for 9 years. I attended The University of Texas at Austin and graduated with an English major. I completed my educator's certificate requirements at St. Edwards' University in Austin. In August 2008, I moved to St. Louis, MO to live closer to my sister, and I began teaching with SLPS at Northwest Academy of Law- a choice high school in Walnut Park. At Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, I completed my masters' degree in Gifted Education in August 2015.
     
    I spent 4 years teaching in Austin, TX, and I've spent 6 school years teaching high school at Northwest Academy of Law in SLPS. 2023-24 school year is my ninth year teaching ELA at McKinley, my fourth year teaching 8th grade ELA. This is my second school year of teaching 9th grade curriculum to 8th grade students. I've completed 18 school years as a full-time teacher! YESSSS.
     
    We have a son who will turn seven in November. My husband works in Development for non-profit organizations. Our family is so pleased to serve the community of St. Louis.