Leslie D. Faulkner, 40

CBI special education teacher at Fountain Lake Middle and High School

Who is Leslie Faulkner?

I live in the Fountain Lake area of Hot Springs. I earned a BSE in Early Childhood Education at the University of Central Arkansas. I received my master’s in Special Education from online courses through Arkansas State University in December of 2013. This is my 19th year teaching and fourth year in the Community Based Learning Class at Fountain Lake Middle/High School. The CBI (community based instruction) program is preparing my students for adulthood. We work on life skills, social skills, and daily living for in and outside the home environment. I am also a consultant for Rodan & Fields Skin Care and Thirty-One Gifts. My job is to teach a wide range of abilities and age levels, supervise three to four paraprofessionals, and to plan for individualized instruction for each student. I have previously taught first grade and kindergarten. For five years at the beginning of my career, I taught in inner city Dallas where I learned so much. This experience truly was amazing.

I have a 12-year-old daughter with Down syndrome that is the light of my life. I started a Down syndrome group called Angels of Arkansas in 2004 along with a Down syndrome Buddy Walk to bring awareness to our community of Hot Springs. I work with many

kids with special needs inside and outside of the school setting. In 2010, I helped organize a dance class for kids with special needs in Hot Springs called ICan! Dance through ICan! Arkansas organization-we now have two classes at Fountain Lake and one at Lakeside. When I started teaching Special Education is when I became more involved with Special Olympics. Throughout each year, we participate in gymnastics, bowling, basketball, track/field, volleyball, and swimming. I plan to add weightlifting this year.

I live by the idea that FAIR is not EQUAL. FAIR is everyone getting what he/she needs to be successful.

What one experience in your life really defined you?

I believe having my daughter, Skylar, with Down syndrome really changed my perspective of life. She has taught me a lot about what’s really important. Before Skylar, I seemed to have students each year with unique situations. As I look back, I now know that God was preparing me for my future not only for Skylar, but for my life.

What do you love about Hot Springs?

I grew up in Hot Springs and graduated from Fountain Lake. I love our community and want to provide our students with as many lifelong experiences as I can.

What do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?

Really, when I have free time I enjoy my bed. I like to watch movies and take naps. I am always so busy that I need the rest. This time of year I look forward to Thanksgiving break just to rest. I am very thankful for my life so therefore I will rest.

Tell us something few people know about you.

There is really nothing about me that people don’t know. My friend said, “you’re an open book.”

Where do you see Hot Springs 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I hope to see Hot Springs having more activities for our special needs community.