ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, April 14, 1997                 TAG: 9704160005
SECTION: NEWSFUN                  PAGE: NF-3 EDITION: METRO 

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Kirsten Zegarski loves to talk about her pupils and how much she enjoys teaching them. "They have a real fun spirit," she said. They're so enthusiastic about life in general. They have this care-free attitude."

If that's the case, it would seem Zegarski and her class of third-graders are a good match.

"Mrs. Zegarski is the best. She never takes off her smile or gets mad," said the pupil who nominated her.

"We laugh a lot and share a lot," Zegarski admitted. "I try to create a relaxed, fun environment. I want my kids to know how much I love them."

It was Zegarski's own third-grade teacher who inspired her to become an educator. "I've tried to model myself after her," she said. "I loved her positive attitude."

Zegarski, a native of Bethlehem, Pa., lives in Roanoke with her husband. She enjoys music, keeping physically fit and recording memories in special photograph albums.

LENGTH: Short :   28 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  Kirsten Zegarski, Third grade, Rocky Mount Elementary