ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, December 18, 1995              TAG: 9512190005
SECTION: NEWSFUN                  PAGE: NF-3 EDITION: METRO 

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Kyle Updike is not one to rest on his teaching methods. The fourth-grade reading, math and science teacher at G.W. Carver Elementary School in Salem says he's constantly looking for new ways to get his subject matter across.

"If it's fresh for me, it will be fresh for them," he said.

Updike attends workshops, reads periodicals and talks with colleagues to come up with new teaching approaches. "It helps to talk to other teachers," he said. "There are some outstanding science teachers in Salem."

Science is what Updike says he enjoys teaching most. During Carver's renovation this year, he has been somewhat handicapped by the lack of running water in the trailer where he teaches. But the new science lab at Carver, expected to be completed next year, will more than make up for any inconvenience this year, he said.

A 15-year educator, Updike says he approaches each day by anticipating how it would look through the eyes of a fourth-grader. "I have a lot of responsibility for them," he said.

"Mr. Updike is the the only teacher I know who plays football with the boys and basketball with the girls, He doesn't put up with any foolishness. He also treats everyone fairly," said his nominator.

Married and the father of Hannah, 6, and Nick, 20 months, Updike enjoys reading and spending time with his children.

LENGTH: Short :   33 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  Kyle Updike Fourth Grade/G.W. Carver Elementary