Jarman Elementary -  Tina Vollmer, ER2 teacher

Special needs teacher Tina Vollmer was named Jarman Elementary School 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year.

“I have dedicated my professional career to instructing and advocating for my exceptional learners,” Vollmer said. “I am fortunate because my role as their teacher often extends beyond the classroom. The skills that we are learning in our room not only help academically, but give my students and their parents a way to plan for post secondary life to keep these individuals actively involved in the community.  Despite the current issues education is facing, the role I currently serve is fulfilling.”

Continuing she said, “I still enjoy teaching in my classroom each day, despite the challenges education is currently facing.  My job as a special education teacher is to advocate for my exceptional students, provide ongoing information and communication to my parents and continue working with my students so they are active.”

Her favorite classroom activity is reading.

Vollmer said, “I love ‘read aloud’ time.  It is a way to engage all of my students in the magic of a book, as well as build community within my classroom. I learn so much about my students and their families during ‘read alouds’.” 

Vollmer began teaching in 2003 and moved to the Union district in 2013

“My bachelor’s is in special education mild/moderate disabilities from Northeastern State University,” Vollmer said. “I completed my master’s in educational administration and leadership in 2021. I am a National Board Certified teacher in exceptional needs and currently fill the role as NBCT, Exceptional Needs Trainer for the state of Oklahoma.  This allows me to meet special education teachers throughout the state and learn about the amazing ways they are engaging students with exceptionalities.”

In addition to special education, Vollmer also hold a certification for English Learners.  “I am also a  Fund for Teacher Fellow and became certified in the TEACCH method of instruction, a method that capitalizes on learning strengths of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.”