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

DATE: MONDAY, March 29, 1993                   TAG: 9303300388
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: NF-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Vicki Freeman describes herself as a "really strict" teacher who rarely lets her pupils off the hook. But, she adds, her Roanoke County pupils don't realize how strict she really is. That's because Freeman tempers that strictness with kindness, humor and a sense of fair play.

"I always try to be fair. Children at this age have a strong sense of fairness. You need to be firm and very consistent with them," she said. "Mrs. Freeman is very calm," said the pupil who nominated her. "She seems to be able to handle any type of student."

Freeman, who has taught for 27 years, says she likes teaching seventh-graders because of their growing independence as they go through "an awkward transition stage."

Freeman helps coach Northside's Knowledge Master team, a national academic competition using computers. She also has coached Odyssey of the Mind teams.

Married and the mother of three grown children, Freeman enjoys tennis.

If you have a nomination for Teacher of the Week, send the name of the nominee, his or her school and why you think that teacher should be honored. Include your name, telephone number and school and send to NewsFun, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491.

by CNB