THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 17, 1994 TAG: 9407160118
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: COURTLAND LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
IN A SENSE, Lottie Claud Bell has watched Southampton County grow up.
During the 35 years she taught school in her nativecounty, Bell saw hundreds of children pass through her classroom.
She retired in June from her last assignment as a third-grade teacher at Courtland Elementary School.
``You can see the growth in the children,'' said Bell, 60. ``Seeing them grow and knowing that I helped has always given me a great deal of satisfaction.''
Bell spent more years at the head of a Southampton County classroom than any other teacher now working for the system, said Charles Turner, assistant superintendent of Southampton County Public Schools.
``Mrs. Bell has made tremendous contributions to students in this county,'' Turner said. ``There is no doubt that her concern for students and their welfare has shaped the futures of many students.''
During her career, Bell taught different elementary grade levels in various schools in the county. But she believes third-graders are easiest to teach because of their age.
``They are mature, but they are still young enough they will sit down and play with me,'' the Courtland resident said. ``They learn more because they are more willing to listen than older children.''
It takes more than blackboards and textbooks to be an effective teacher, Bell said. A teacher also must be devoted to her students and love the profession.
``I loved teaching,'' she said. ``I used to wake up singing in the morning before I went to work.''
Bell's desire to work with children led her to study education at Elizabeth City State University.
After graduating from college and beginning her teaching career in Southampton County, Bell met the man she eventually married, a fellow teacher named Willie.
``We've always taught in the same county but in different schools,'' she said, laughing. Her husband retired as principal of Capron Elementary School in 1988.
The couple share a love of learning with their three children.
Willie Bell Jr., 28, teaches math at Greenville High School in Emporia. Darian Bell, 25, is a special education teacher and wrestling coach at Southampton High School.
And Prenda Bell, 19, attends Virginia State University. She plans to become a business teacher.
Bell believes more parents need to become involved in their children's education these days. In addition to communicating with teachers, they need to spend more time reading and talking with them.
She expects to spend her spare time playing with her toddler grandson, E.J., and working at her church, Shiloh Baptist in Boykins.
But Bell will be no stranger at Courtland Elementary next year. She plans occasional visits to her former co-workers and students, wants to remain active in the school's PTA and intends to volunteer at the school.
``A lot of people are glad when they can retire,'' she said. ``I'll miss it, but I knew it was time to leave.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Color on the Cover: Teacher Lottie Bell has retired from Courtland
Elementary. Her husband, Willie, retired as principal of Capron
Elementary in '88.
Lottie Bell retired from Courtland Elementary after 35 years.
by CNB