2023 Spring Parent Teacher conferences: 

RAO https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805044eaaae23aa8-rao#/ 

Name: Mrs. Kelli Rao Email: kelli.rao@slps.org   NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED-  EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS SPECIALIST GIFTED AND TALENTED         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   Google voice number: 314-399-8466 Messages are forwarded to my personal email.    Office hours:  A DAYS: 7:10-8:30 am B DAYS: 10 am-12 pm    A days- P.2, P.3, P.4 P.2- 8th ELA 8:35-9:55 am P.3- 8th ELA 10-10:40 am Lunch- 10:40-11:10 am P.3- 8th ELA 11:10-11:55 am P.4- 6th Speech/Theater 12-1:20 pm Advisory- 1:25-1:50 pm   BUS DUTY- 1:50-2:17 pm     B days- P.5, P.6, P.8 P.5- 8th ELA 7:10-8:30 am P.6- 8th ELA 8:35-9:55 am Lunch 10:40-11:10 am P.8- 8th ELA 12-1:20 pm   Advisory- 1:25-1:50 pm   BUS DUTY- 1:50-2:17 pm

Welcome. Thank you for taking time to learn about the teachers at McKinley CJLA. 

 

This year, I teach students taking 8th grade ELA classes, 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. 2022-23 school year is my eighth year teaching ELA at McKinley, my third year teaching 8th grade ELA. This is my first time teaching 9th grade curriculum to 8th grade students. I've completed 17 school years as a full-time teacher! YESSSS.

 

We have a son who will turn six in November. My husband works in Development for non-profit organizations. Our family is so pleased to serve the community of St. Louis.