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

DATE: TUESDAY, May 16, 1995                   TAG: 9505160051
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CHARLES JERVIS

Age: 38

Family: Wife, Jody

Years teaching: 15. He's been at Auburn since 1988.

Hometown: Andover, Va.

Hobbies: Photography, hiking, reading

Favorite teacher(s): English teacher Grace Murphy "because she was well-read and gave meaningful feedback in writing," and science teacher Jackie Ray Robinette because he was "very communicative in science, able to make it real and make it fun."

A favorite night out would include: A movie with popcorn and Reese cups.

Charles Jervis knows science. He knows technology. And ever since he was an undergraduate student at Emory and Henry College near Abingdon, he knew he wanted to be a teacher.

While standing in front of one of the college's academic buildings years ago, "a friend and I were talking about what we thought would be a good job," said Jervis, who teaches biology and chemistry at Auburn High and Middle School. "We decided that staying involved in learning in an active way would be fun."

Jervis has lived up to those dreams. Not only does he stay actively involved in teaching, but he has continued on in his own education, finishing a master's degree in botany at Virginia Tech in 1988.

"I wanted to stay actively involved in education," Jervis said. "For the first 11 or 12 years I taught, I was also in college. Getting a master's increased my knowledge base and I have a greater appreciation of science."

Jervis, an admitted technology buff who often wears two arm braces to alleviate pain in his "mouse wrists," says technology has helped improve the way his classes are taught. Although he doesn't use computers every day in every class, computers add variety to traditionally lecture-oriented classes.

"I see technology as a tool, not an end in itself," Jervis said. "If you see it as a facilitator or an enhancement or a supplement, it will work."

Jervis' hard work in science and technology has paid off. Among his accomplishments, he has been the Tandy Technology Scholar, received the Presidential award for teaching, and been named outstanding chemistry teacher and outstanding computer teacher. He was also awarded the Council for Basic Education Award for excellence in science and interdisciplinary instruction.

The list goes on, but teaching, says Jervis, is not about the awards or the recognition.

"My job is most rewarding when the kids get it," he said. "When students are presented with a concept, work hard and really learn something, it's worth it."