Purdue graduate returns
to assist educational
programs for teachers
Sheila Klinker serves as
outreach liaison, State Representative
By Jenny Jones
Summer
Reporter
Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-27, is more than a politician.
Klinker first moved to Lafayette after touring
with the Ralph Flanagan band. It was between her sophomore and junior
year at Butler University that a friend of Klinker's convinced her to
try out for the band. Klinker, who didn't think she had a chance, left
her sorority house and went back to her hometown of Indianapolis for
the tryouts. She became one of the Ralph Flanagan singers.
Klinker said that after touring with the band for
approximately six months, she knew she didn't want to sing for a living,
so she went back to school.
While she was on tour with the band, her parents
moved to Lafayette, so Klinker decided to continue her education at
Purdue University.
While at Purdue, Klinker proceeded singing as part
of the Purduettes, and after fulfilling her college requirements, became
one of the first graduates of the elementary teaching division in the
School of Education.
After completing college, Klinker began teaching
first grade at a local elementary school and then moved on to teach
third, forth, fifth, sixth and eighth grades throughout her 34-year
career. Klinker was then offered a position as principal, but turned
it down when she received her job at Purdue as an outreach liaison in
the School of Education.
As an outreach liaison, Klinker said she takes
part in many programs, such as the Purdue Literacy Network Project.
The program brings together teachers from different
elementary schools for special training through the School of Education
at Purdue. Once these selected teachers learn the advanced approaches
in literacy teaching, they return back to their schools and implement
these skills.
As part of the project, Klinker said she is trying
to get funds for the books and supplies that they need.
In addition to aiding in the program, Klinker has
a hand in the Professional Development Schools program, which works
with elementary, middle and high schools to tryout different techniques.
She is also involved with the Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship,
which teaches teachers how to implement and encourage participation
from students in schools and communities.
"I'm interested in the community," Klinker said.
"I tend to like helping people."
Klinker is not the only member of her family to
have strong ties with Purdue. All of her three children attended the
university and took part in the musical organizations as well.
Although her husband is not a Purdue graduate,
Klinker said, "He's Purdue by marriage."
In addition to being active at Purdue and representing
a district, Klinker also participates in many local groups, such as
the St. Mary's Cathedral choir, Tippecanoe County Children Care, Greater
Lafayette Museum of Art Foundation and Food Finders.
"Klinker has phenomenal energy," said Marilyn Haring,
dean in the School of Education.
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