Payne, Mary K.: - Mary K. Payne graduated from San Jacinto College with an Elementary Music Degree in 1971. She then graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 1974 followed by a Master's degree in 1978. She also earned a Special Education Certificate in 1985 from University of Houston Clear Lake. She has taught regular, special, and bilingual education classes in every grade from 1st to 12th for 39 years. After retiring, she still finds time to tutor students and consult parents. A talented singer, she has sung The Star-Spangled Banner for the past 27 years as part of the opening ceremonies for Houston Astros Baseball games. She is the mother of two grown children and has two grandchildren. Her love for children and music inspired her to write this helpful book.