Ruth Rees Bilas

State:

Maryland

PLS courses I teach:

Purposeful Learning Through Multiple Intelligences® Online

Years with PLS:

Since 2002

Why I love teaching PLS courses:

I love distance education; it is a unique opportunity to express ourselves through our words.

Education:

• B.A. German/Art History/Education, Western Maryland College
• M.E. Reading/Special Education, Loyola College of Maryland
• B.S. Curriculum/Instruction, Western Maryland College

Teaching experience:

• 4-8 (private parochial) Reading, Writing, Speech, Science, mathematics, Social Studies — 3.5 years
• 9-12 Mathematics, English, Resource — 1 year
• Pre-K-5 Reading, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Reading Readiness, Social/Behavioral Skills — 7.5 years

Related experience, recognition, awards, etc.:

As a Special Education teacher, I love working with severely/profoundly retarded population. I have served on non-profit boards to empower handicapped individuals. I have also served as a judge and coach for Maryland Special Olympics equestrian events.

What I love most about teaching:

I spent many years in industry, met many interesting people, traveled, got the vicarious thrill of getting the contract, making the sale. I left when my baby needed me, and I never looked back. Occasionally I miss the thrill of the chase, the contract in hand, the win-win situation. Today, if I am the most effective teacher I can be, I have win-win situations daily.

My favorite moment in teaching:

Tommy W. came to us in second grade. He had head lice, ear mites, rotten teeth, ghastly home life, recurrent eye infections, and a learning disability. We got him stabilized; if we do not deal with physical, emotional, and family issues first, how can we deal with educational ones? He was near grade level when his mother pulled him out; they were actually moving to an affluent school in the county. At Christmas, the year he left, Tommy had a budget of $1.00 for his entire family. He spent 1/4 of it to buy me a snowman pin. There have been years when I have spent $1,000, and not felt as fulfilled. We do make a difference.

Personal information:

I am very involved in my church, Moores Chapel United Methodist Church. I serve on the Board of Trustees, am a worship leader, and a member of the senior choir. I love reading good history books, being outdoors for anything including yard work, and traveling to Europe.