Here to Help Children

Meadowlark Elementary School, which has been without a certified Special Education Teacher since February of last school year, welcomed a teacher in that position on November 18. Patricia Loceo joined the faculty after arriving in Billings from the Philippines on November 17. In her words, she's "here to help children."

Earning her degree in the Philippines, Loceo comes to Chinook with considerable experience. She has worked with special needs students for three years in Singapore, two and a half years in Thailand, and three years in her home country, where her father and sister still reside. During that time, she served international students from diverse cultures and looks forward to her work in the United States.

On November 23, she spoke with smiles and optimism about her teaching assignment. "I am enjoying my students and don't want to ever stop studying. If we don't keep learning, who will help the children?" Loceo asked.

Loceo credits her education gained from university study as well as seminars and trainings for the multiple strategies and intervention techniques she implements with her students. "This good experience contributes to my knowledge base, and I put that knowledge into action, tailoring it to match a student's learning style and learning needs. I also think that the more experience a person has and the more perspectives and approaches we have encountered, the more able we are to help students."

In addition to having a solid foundation from which to extract ideas, Loceo insists it is important to know the students' background, their stories and journeys. "Without this information, we can't even begin. Learning starts with community building, and experience teaches us to be patient, understanding, and open-minded as we build relationships."

Another element of importance according to Loceo is teamwork. "I believe in maintaining open communication with the parents and the teachers so that we can find the instructional approach that matches the student. That process involves trial and error until we find a strategy that works for that child. By forming partnerships, we have a harmonious relationship that will best serve the student."

As Loceo navigates the various learning challenges her students encounter, she remains positive. "I like to look at life as made of bright things," she said. "So, I am grateful for all progress, regardless of how small it may seem. Learning happens gradually, and even when the steps seem small, the gains are great. I celebrate that!"

That she has already made an impact at the school was obvious when a student walked into the room where Loceo was being interviewed and presented her with a large red, orange, and yellow three-dimensional star fashioned from twisted paper.

"Here, I made this for you," the young lady announced. "I used Thanksgiving colors, and I want you to have it."

Loceo accepted the gift, complimented its maker, and whispered, "She's not even one of my students."

About the newest arrival at the elementary school, District Superintendent Fred Hofman said, "We have been incredibly lucky to have Melanie Qualls who has been doing sub work since basically February of last year, but we're excited that we have Ms. Loceo here now."