Fifth-grade language arts and social studies teacher Malissa C. Barker addresses individual learning styles of students at Jenks West Intermediate School in Jenks by having them read, write, debate, observe, act and discuss. Recently, her students donned authentic costumes of the American Revolution era and debated issues as Loyalists and Patriots. Clearly, her use of differentiated instruction is yielding results, as Mrs. Barker's students' Criterion Reference Test (CRT) scores in reading and social studies are among the highest in the district. Mrs. Barker also mentors new teachers, conducts the school's professional development "Lunch Bunches," and serves on various Jenks Public Schools committees. Mrs. Barker has received numerous awards including the Jenks Public Schools Vision of Excellence Award, the American Red Cross Everyday Hero award, and the Oklahoma State University Distinguished Alumni Award.
