
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 19, 1994                   TAG: 9404190149
SECTION: NATL/INTL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

TEACHER OF YEAR HELPS HOMELESS

Teacher Sandra McBrayer's first job is making sure her students have what they need to live another day. Her second is convincing them that she loves them. With a student body composed exclusively of children living alone on the streets, it's not always easy.

For her education - and care of - homeless children in San Diego, McBrayer has been named Teacher of the Year.

``My goal as a teacher is for all kids to feel that whether the world isn't caring for them or the dysfunctional parents aren't caring for them, there's a school and there are teachers that believe in them and love them,'' McBrayer said.

The Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with Encyclopaedia Britannica. McBrayer, the 43rd winner, was chosen from among more than 2.5 million elementary and secondary school teachers.

Her philosophy is that every child has a right to an education and can learn. It is similar to one of the national education goals signed into law by President Clinton.

To other teachers, she offers this advice: ``They're not there to teach subject matter, they're there to teach children. They need to be respectful. They need to be understanding. They need to be creative and innovative.''

McBrayer, 33, founded the Homeless Outreach School for homeless and unattended youth six years ago. Some 300 to 400 children in grades seven through 12 attend the school each year. One wall in McBrayer's room is lined with the diplomas they have earned. ``Where else would homeless children hang a diploma?'' she asked.

by CNB