Veda B. Frank Elementary School, Guadalupe
Tempe Elementary School District
4th & 5th Grade
"Fortunately, I was given the gift of falling in love with children who live in high poverty areas. Captivated by my desire to discover the perpetually expanding parameters of their academic capabilities, I am passionately committed to them, reaching out for the challenge of transforming and equalizing their place in the world of education. These children are the factors that empower me to walk into a classroom with high expectations. They give me the desire to search out and identify the most effective strategies, to explore the latest research on cognitive development, and to share ideas that will connect the classroom with the real world outside of school."
"I would like to challenge teachers of passion, courage and vision to bring forth their best to address the issue of closing the achievement gap between different racial, ethnic, income, and other disadvantaged children. Dynamic, qualified, effective teachers should be in every classroom, surrounding every child with high expectations, high standards, and the burning desire to be successful. Teachers who believe in the power of the mind, and in their responsibility to change a child's life can outweigh the negative effects of all the other challenges a disadvantaged child might shoulder when they walk into a classroom. Teachers who are willing to give strength, honor and dedication can sustain the courage of children at-risk and help them to forge a better world."
A co-worker of Ms. Laneback writes: "Linda clearly does not view poverty, race, language or culture as barriers for children. She wills out the best in each young student. They learn to look inward and shine in their strengths, while blossoming a foundation for growth in other areas. Linda demonstrated her devotion through "looping" for three years with her present class. Her remarkable talents are a blessing for these students and their families. Her devoted tutelage has impacted hundreds of lives in a very positive manner."
Ms. Laneback earned her Bachelors degree in Fine Arts from Loyola-Marymount University, Los Angeles. She has completed the Elementary Teacher Certification Program at the University of Phoenix, and the Secondary Teaching Certification Program at Arizona State University. Ms. Laneback received the Rodel Foundation Exemplary Teacher Award in 2004. She has taught school for seven years.
