ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, January 8, 1996 TAG: 9601100094
SECTION: NEWSFUN PAGE: NF-3 EDITION: METRO
When Debra Rusmisel graduated from Radford University and decided to go into teaching, it was, she says, "the best decision I ever made."
Rusmisel, who teaches fifth grade at Glenvar Elementary near Salem, said she enjoys seeing the physical and academic growth of her pupils more than she ever imagined. "I love seeing those little wheels turn," she said.
Academics are important, but fifth-graders sometimes require a little more, Rusmisel said. "There is more than just school work. I have to get them prepared for middle school," she said.
"'Mrs. R,' as we all call her, should be honored because she is the nicest, sweetest teacher I've ever had," said her nominator. "We feel as though we can tell her anything, even things that are personal."
Rusmisel and her husband, who are expecting their first child in April, live in Covington. She enjoys cross-stitching, hiking and traveling.
LENGTH: Short : 26 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Debra Rusmisel/Fifth grade, Glenvar Elementaryby CNB