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

DATE: MONDAY, May 1, 1995                   TAG: 9505020026
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Fourth-graders, says Sheri Dolan, have an abundance of energy and enthusiasm for learning. Corraling that energy and putting it to use in a positive way is one of the challenges Dolan faces in her classroom at Roanoke's Crystal Spring Elementary.

Dolan says she uses many hands-on activities, such as sewing and creating books and conducting science laboratories, to help get her pupils actively involved and help spend some of that every-flowing mental and physical energy.

"Because they're so active physically, they need to be doing something. If we put that energy into the right path, it's real productive," she said.

"Not only is Mrs. Dolan a very gifted teacher, she is a very interesting person," said the pupil who nominated her. "She makes us all feel that we have something important to offer our class."

Dolan attributes a good rapport with her pupils to a willingness to listen. "I want them to be able to turn to their teacher. I think they feel like they can share with me about their life."

A 15-year teaching veteran, Dolan is married and the mother of 11-year-old Ashley. She enjoys camping, hiking, quilting and reading.

by CNB