This week on Spotlight STL, we celebrate the teachers who inspire us featuring award-winning Greenville Junior High science teacher Jackie Blumer, who makes learning exciting through hands-on activities, teamwork and creative challenges; the fascinating St. Louis story of Susan Blow, the pioneering educator who helped launch the public kindergarten movement in America; and a look back at Paul Schankman’s story about Miss E. Laine, a longtime tutor at Mason Ridge Elementary School who was approaching her 90th birthday and whose dedication, experience and passion for helping students succeed made a lasting impression on the children and teachers around her. These are stories about educators who remind us just how powerful a great teacher can be.

Innovative Greenville Jr High School Science Teacher Jackie Blumer Makes Learning Exciting
Award winning and Innovative Greenville JR High School Science Teacher, Jackie Blumer, engages students with creative, team building and hands on learning.

History Spotlight: The Mother of the Public Kindergarten Movement
The story of how St. Louisan Susan Blow opened the first publicly funded kindergarten in the U.S.

An Inspiring 90-Year-Old Tutor
For more than 20 years, 4’10” Miss E. Laine made a big impact at Mason Ridge Elementary School in the Parkway District. As she approached her 90th birthday, her passion for tutoring and her straightforward, caring approach continued to inspire students and teachers alike.