Beth Ellen McKinney
I am a credentialed teacher with many years of experience in a variety of settings. I currently teach at an alternative high school in an economically depressed urban setting, but I have successfully reached students in public and private settings from elementary through community college levels. Many of my students have been at risk of dropping out due to their economic disadvantages, emotional and cognitive disabilities and their difficult home situations. Because of my creativity, my commitment to education and my willingness to stay informed about educational issues, I have encouraged many of my students to reach their highest potential. I hope to share my experience, knowledge and skills with others through my articles on Suite 101.
I have also applied this willingness to research and implement a variety of approaches in my role as the parent of a special needs child. My daughter is emotionally disturbed and has significant cognitive impairment as well as a diagnosis of ADHD. Some of her challenges may be due to her bleak early childhood in institutionalized care in Eastern Europe. I have done a great deal of research into the issues facing special needs children and their parents, and hope to help others learn how to access educational and social services and support for themselves and their children.
Latest Articles
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The Violent Attack in Arizona on Gabrielle Giffords and Others
A look at the Arizona attacks and mental health care in the United States.
Jan 11, 2011
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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The Definition of Social Justice
Glenn Beck has called on Americans to leave any church that promotes social justice. This has lead to intense theological and political discussions.
Sep 2, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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Analyzing U.S. American Rhetoric
Many great U.S. American speeches use the rhetorical techniques defined by Aristotle in order to persuade and move their readers.
Apr 5, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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Creating Patchwork Crochet Patterns
Crochet and join squares, triangles and other shapes to create blankets and other projects in colorful geometric designs.
Mar 7, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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A Jane Eyre Lesson Plan
This lesson will challenge students to think critically about Charlotte Brontë's portrayal of mental illness in Jane Eyre.
Feb 22, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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The Tragic Hero in Literature
A tragic hero is usually a literary character of great stature whose moral defect leads to tragedy but some self-awareness.
Feb 5, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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J.D. Salinger's Literary Themes
Both The Catcher in the Rye and "For Esmé with Squalor" show J.D. Salinger's ability to portray children, mental illness and hope in a true and poignant way.
Feb 1, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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How to Knit or Crochet with Boucle Yarn
Boucle is a gorgeous, loopy yarn that adds texture and interest to craft projects; however, crafters will need to be patient and careful. Practice helps.
Jan 18, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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How to Make a Triple or Treble Crochet Stitch
The treble crochet stitch is simply a fancy, lacy variation of the basic crochet stitch, so it is easy to learn after practice.
Jan 18, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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Parents and Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder
Parents and other family members who care for children who become emotionally disturbed as the result of trauma are at risk for developing a secondary stress disorder.
Jan 10, 2010
- Beth Ellen McKinney
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