Special Education Teacher

Sunnyside Elementary School

MSD Lawrence Township
Indianapolis, IN

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES AND AWARDS: She began teaching in 1990 at Northwestern Elementary School, Kokomo. Then she taught 1991-98 at Hamilton Heights Elementary School, in Arcadia, Indiana. Since 1998 she has been teaching at Sunnyside Elementary School. Theresa has been an adjunct professor since 1996 at Butler University and a member since 1999 of the Indiana Professional Standards Board and its Teacher Induction Committee. She was a presenter since 1989 at statewide conferences on Educational Programs for Students with Emotional Handicaps and was president in 1998 of the Indiana Council for Exceptional Children, receiving its Distinguished Service Award that year.

EXCERPTS from comments by colleagues: Ms. Knipstein is "an outstanding educator who is on the cutting edge of what is new ... a high-energy person, always with a camera, putting together video and learning tools for her students." "She helps kids feel success. She is an advocate for kids." "She is the most positive person I've ever known." "She recognizes the smallest accomplishments of students or staff." "Her bubbling, positive personality attracts people; she is her own magnet ... and has a great relationship with parents as well as with colleagues and administrators." "Everyone benefits from the resources she provides. She is an active person - sings in her church choir, takes part in a local cabaret theater, and she ran in the Indianapolis mini-marathon."