At Lafayette County C-1 Middle School in Higginsville, special education teacher Gail Lilleman has created a unique curriculum that builds her students' independent living skills. In the "Gail's Kids Kitchen" program, Mrs. Lilleman's students operate a weekly restaurant, where they gain knowledge in core subject areas, develop time-management skills, receive job training and practice in socialization, and improve self-confidence. To develop the social and organizational skills so critical for employment, she recently created a "Work Experience Class," a simulation of the working world that gives her students practice in staying on task, budgeting, and maintaining good personal and professional relations. Mrs. Lilleman mentors beginning teachers in her field and conducts in-service training on special education issues.
1990 Central Missouri State University, B.A.
