TEACHER OF THE WEEK

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

DATE: MONDAY, January 25, 1993                   TAG: 9301260310
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
TEACHER OF THE WEEK
One day might find Connie Leighton serenading her Pearisburg pupils in an opera-like voice. The next, Leighton's pupils could be treated to an English lesson relayed in rap or taught in a country ballad.
"She does whatever it takes to make our learning fun and interesting," said the pupil who nominated her.
And if that includes teaching the subject matter through song or poetry, Leighton says she's game. "I like to have fun and make things relevant in my classroom," she said.
Leighton, who has taught for five years, said she always wanted to be a teacher. She enjoys third-graders because of their energy, creativity and sense of humor. "They're beginning to be responsible, but they're also responsive to teaching," she said.
Active in the school's PTO organization and the lead math teacher for kindergarten through fifth grade, Leighton enjoys reading, music and singing. She also collects cat figurines.
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 Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB