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

DATE: MONDAY, February 13, 1995                   TAG: 9502150003
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Betty Spigle remembers when tape recorders and overhead projectors were considered hi-tech. Now, there's hardly a classroom anywhere without at least one computer.

Technology has caused a revolution in the classroom, Spigle said. "Children are crazy about computers, and they're quite knowledgable," she said. "I've had to learn a lot myself, but I can keep up with the children," she said with a laugh.

Spigle will retire from the Roanoke County school in June after 30 years of teaching, mostly third grade. She'll miss the eagerness and enthusiasm of that age group, Spigle said.

Being positive and fair with her pupils have always been high on her list of priorities as a teacher. "I try to deal with the whole child, not just their academics, Spigle said.

"I love Mrs. Spigle's teaching. She makes learning fun," said the pupil who nominated her.

Spigle, who is married and has seven grandchildren, looks forward to traveling and pursuing her hobbies of music, flowers and crafts.

by CNB