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

DATE: MONDAY, September 25, 1995                   TAG: 9509260024
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

In 31 years of teaching everything from public school kindergarten to algebra at the College of Health Sciences, Wendy Wingo has seen it all.

And if you've been in one of her classes, chances are you've seen some pretty unusual sights yourself, such as a big hairy tarantula crawling up Wingo's arm or a black snake slithering around the classroom.

"Kids don't get out and experience life science," Wingo said. "They learn so much just by going out into the woods." That's why she tries to bring the outdoors, including insects and animals, inside.

Wingo, who teaches math and science at Roanoke's Woodrow Wilson, also is sponsor of the Trail Club, a group she leads on hiking, backpacking and tubing expeditions.

"Mrs. Wingo makes sure we understand a chapter in math or science before we move on, If we do not, she waits and waits until we understand," said her nominator. "She simply is the best teacher I have ever been taught by."

Wingo is married and the owner of a German short-haired pointer named Cedric. She is a member of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors and enjoys motorcycling, backpacking and being involved in local government.

by CNB