Second-grade teacher Jean LaGrone of Westgate Elementary School in Omaha resolved long ago that her classroom would be a place where effective teaching would take precedence over specific content. Her "Geometry Around the World" program uses illustrated children's books on different cultures as a basis for studying social studies, architecture and geometry. As a member of the district curriculum committee, she helped pilot several discovery-based science kits for second grade. Mrs. LaGrone is co-chair of the Student Assistance Team, which helps teachers find solutions for children who need extra help. In 1997, she received National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist.
1974 University of Texas at Austin, B.A.
