Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 11, 1993 TAG: 9302110054
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
PEERS HONOR BIOLOGY TEACHER WHOSE CLASSES STAY `EXCITED'
You won't find Thelma Haynesworth lecturing to her biology students from the front of her classroom at William Byrd High School. Nor will you find her rigidly following a textbook to the letter.You will find Haynesworth crouched next to students' desks. Or initiating discussions on bioethics. Or bringing DNA fingerprinting to life with lab experiments.
"I try to make work relevant," said Haynesworth, who was named the state's 1992-93 Outstanding Science Educator in Biology in November by the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.
"I keep them involved, rather than lecturing to them. I would not want to sit and listen to me talk for hours."
Ask her why she thinks she was singled out for the statewide honor and Haynesworth shrugs.
"I don't know what about me is so different," she says.
But William Byrd Principal Bob Patterson calls Haynesworth "an awfully good teacher."
"She's well-respected by the students and her fellow teachers," Patterson said. "She uses a variety of teaching techniques; a lot of hands-on activities. It seems students are never bored but seem excited about learning."
One of Haynesworth's students, sophomore Tracy Doupnik, said, "Mrs. Haynesworth teaches a lot of things we can put to practical use. . . . She's a great teacher. She's always willing to take time to explain and go into detail. A lot of teachers aren't like that. She makes you understand it more."
Haynesworth grew up in Bedford, one of six children. She remembers her parents stressed that all of their children - particularly their four daughters - should further their education beyond high school.
"They told us that was our key, that no one could take that away from us," Haynesworth said.
Haynesworth earned a bachelor's degree from St. Paul's College in the Southside town of Lawrenceville and a master's degree from Hampton University.
Haynesworth, 47, began her teaching career at a junior high school in Hampton. In 1973, she joined the teaching staff at William Byrd, one of four Roanoke County high schools.
Science has been a love of Haynesworth's since her youth. Her nearly 30 years in education have included teaching earth science, physics and biology.
This school year, Haynesworth is teaching advanced biology and advanced-placement biology. She also heads the school's science department.
"I just like biology," Haynesworth said. "But my main interest is making sure students are getting a good education and are doing well. When they are able to analyze and apply something they've learned, then I've done a pretty good job."
Haynesworth keeps abreast of changes in science education by attending every seminar, workshop and conference that she can work into her schedule.
"It keeps me current," she says. "I'm always interested in new techniques, implementing new programs. I wish people could see the need for that."
Haynesworth serves as treasurer of the Blue Ridge Association of Science Teachers and is a member of the National Association of Science Teachers. She also is the only instructional member of the Southern Association of School Accreditation.
Haynesworth's interests reach outside education. She has served as secretary of the board of the Science Museum of Western Virginia, as a member of the Mill Mountain Theatre Board and as an area member of the Governor's Commission for the Arts.
Haynesworth, a Roanoke County resident, looks to two of her teachers at the old Susie G. Gibson High School in Bedford as influencing her decision to become a teacher.
"They had high expectations and were very fair," she said. "They treated everybody alike, regardless of academic ability or socioeconomic level.
"Today, I do that with my students. If they have a problem, I always feel I can talk to them. I always feel I can listen."