Mary Lou Datema began her teaching career at age 16, working in a local child care center after school.....for a dollar an hour. She now holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (early childhood) and a Master's degree in Reading as well as early childhood special education certification. Mary Lou has taught at the preschool, kindergarten and college levels in a variety of settings for over 40 years. She is currently an adjunct instructor at Ozarks Technical Community College. She has served in a variety of advisory capacities at the local and state level. She was named Teacher of the Year for the Springfield, Missouri school district in 2003. Mary Lou raised three boys on a steady diet of books, and now, in her spare time, she loves being a grandma and sharing her love of reading with her grandchildren.