My philosophy regarding teaching is that it is my responsibility to help students learn to think apply their knowledge, and relate it to their lives and future.

I daily teach students that a different world can not be built by indifferent people.

My class is a THINKING class.

I began my college education at the University of Arkansas with a vocal scholarship, I then transfered Texas Woman's University where my sister attended. Again, I attended the University of Arkansas, and ultimately ended with a degree from Texas Woman's University. I began with a music career in mind, but eventually received a degree in History. I also have more educational hours in English than I do in History. How all of this occurred I can not recall. I returned to school for a teaching certificate in both History and English, and I received an endorsement to teach Reading through the extent of my English classes.

I do not remember deciding to be a teacher, but I do believe that the Lord puts you where He wants you. He has obviously wanted me here for quite some time.

I have been teaching at Lake Dallas Middle School for twenty-two years plus two years "scouting" the district to determine if I liked it and wanted to apply at LDISD. I did graduate practicums, participated in field trips, helped with morning duty, and various other activities to determine what it would be like being a part of LDMS. I applied for a job with the district, and I was thrilled when I was hired. I will never consider transfering to another school district.

I love my interaction with middle school age students. It has always been the complete joy of my career.

My class is very structured. Organization and responsibility are extremely important. These are areas on which I work with students daily and weekly throughout the entire year.

I am usually here very, very early and remain late most days.

I can be easily reached by email at lshirey@ldisd.net or by calling the office at (940)497-4037 to leave a message for me to return your call. Please leave your name, your child's name, a phone number, and a convenient time for me to return your call.

My daily conference period is from 9:30 - 10:10.

My team is also available from 3:15 to 3:45. Appointments are required for all parent/teacher conferences.

I update my web-page by Monday morning each week unless the system is down. You may check this to become aware of homework, upcoming tests, quizzes, etc., and assignment due dates.

Infrequently, plans may change due to interuptions. This is rare, but no quiz or test will be given before the material is covered. I never give tests or quizzes on Monday. My philosophy is that weekends should be devoted to family, fun, and rest.

I am usually available at least once per day for tutorial. If I have meetings or appointments, they are announced as soon as I am aware of them. Most often they are also printed on the weekly agenda.

Tutorial is for reteaching, completeing makeup work, and getting help with organization. I do not drill and practice with students. Drill and practice is daily homework for my class.

I have early morning duty in the cafeteria from 7:30 until 8:00 on Wendesday. I will not be available for tutorial when I must attend meetings, or after school appointments. Otherwise, I am available every morning and most afternoons. I will work with studetns ANY time I am at school. I remind students daily wehter or not I can remain after school, The only monring I am not available is Wednesday mornings. It is also possible to set up other times compatible to both my daily schedule and the students and parents' schedules.

I am very flexible and cooperative.

I am very flexible regarding meeting with parents. I will make arrangements to meet with parents when their work schedules permit if at all possible. I do prefer that students be a part of a conference or at least a portion of the conference to insure that he or she will see that his or her parents and I are working together for his or her best interest. I also want students and parents to completely understand my expectations for students in my class.