McKinley Classical Leadership Academy Middle and High School

 

Name: Mrs. Kelli Rao Email: kelli.rao@slps.org   NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED-  EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS SPECIALIST GIFTED AND TALENTED         Education: B.A. in English- May 2003 (University of Texas at Austin) Teaching Certification- Dec. 2004 (St. Edward's University) M.A. in Gifted Education- Aug. 2015 (Lindenwood University) Current: UMSL- St. Louis READING CERTIFICATION COHORT VIII   Room Number(s): 251 Subject(s): 8th grade ELA 7th grade Advisory Drama   Google voice number: 314-399-8466 (Please text here first) Messages are forwarded to my personal email.    Office hours: Bell Schedule is to be updated.

Welcome. Thank you for taking time to learn about the teachers at McKinley CJLA. 

 

This year, I teach students taking 8th grade ELA classes, 7th grade Advisory Drama. As of December 11, 2021, I earned National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist for Gifted and Talented students. It's 30-40% pass rate on the first try, so I am thrilled to be able to say that I earned my certification without any revisions. Yes- I have wanted this for more than a decade and I screamed and jumped around quite a bit with the news. :)

 

Biography: Port Arthur, Texas is my hometown. I lived in Austin, TX for 9 years. I attended The University of Texas at Austin and graduated with an English major. I completed my educator's certificate requirements at St. Edwards' University in Austin. In August 2008, I moved to St. Louis, MO to live closer to my sister, and I began teaching with SLPS at Northwest Academy of Law- a choice high school in Walnut Park. At Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, I completed my masters' degree in Gifted Education in August 2015.

 

I spent 4 years teaching in Austin, TX, and I've spent 6 school years teaching high school at Northwest Academy of Law in SLPS. 2024-25 school year is my tenth year teaching ELA at McKinley, my fourth year teaching 8th grade ELA. This is my second school year of teaching 9th grade curriculum to 8th grade students. I've completed 19 school years as a full-time teacher! This is my 20th year as an educator. YESSSS.

 

We have a son who will turn eight in November. My husband works in Development for non-profit organizations. Our family is so pleased to serve the community of St. Louis.