DATE: Friday, April 4, 1997                 TAG: 9704020127

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 07   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: COVER STORY 

                                            LENGTH:   76 lines

THE TOP 10 THOUGHTS ON TEACHING

During the Chesapeake Teacher of the Year ceremony March 19, a teacher from each of the district's 42 schools was chosen to be honored. As they walked across the stage, accompanied by ROTC student escorts, a little of their teaching philosophy was read to the audience. Here's a sample:

Barbara J. Sowder, Carver Intermediate School

When I entered college, the only career choices that were acceptable for a woman were nurse, secretary, teacher or housewife. I've done them all and have found teaching to pay the ``best.'' Oh, it's not the best pay monetarily, but the smiles, hugs, paper flowers, cards, pictures and apples are priceless.

Julia Butler Coberly, Cedar Road Elementary

One of the most meaningful compliments I have received as a counselor came from a fourth-grade boy. As we were walking out the door after one particularly intense conversation, he told me I was ``pretty cool . . . almost like a real person!'' Each day I strive to use respect, humor, acceptance and enthusiasm to model an approach to life as well as school, and as that fourth grader reminded me, this is best done by being a ``real person.''

Jarred A. Cotton, Crestwood Intermediate

When I first became a teacher, I was surprised to learn that I would be teaching fifth grade in my old fifth-grade classroom. Since that time, I have enjoyed giving back to a school and community that helped nurture me. In addition, I can always tell my students that I was once in their seat - literally.

Stephanie P. Rayfield, Deep Creek High School

I was teaching an advanced lesson in economics when a young man interrupted me by saying, ``Gee, Ms. Rayfield, you are so smart, you could get a real job.'' I thanked him for the compliment and added, ``I wouldn't be teaching if I weren't smart enough to get a `real job.' '' I have held some of those ``real'' jobs - this one is a whole lot better.

Sharon Arseneau, Greenbrier Primary School

There is a book entitled, ``Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.'' Well, after growing up, I found out that I didn't know everything, so I decided to go back to kindergarten, and I can honestly say that I learn something new every day.

Edith Anne Gomer, Hickory Middle School

Being raised a good Presbyterian, I thought that teaching would always be a wonderful profession for me. Little did I know that becoming a Hornet, then a Wildcat, and now a Hawk would bring out the beast in me.

Stephen Rankin, Indian River High School

Teaching physics satisfies my need to stay a ``little boy'' at heart. Where else could I play with marbles, slinkies, and electrical gadgets all day while convincing the other teachers that I'm really working hard?

Melissa Martin, Western Branch Middle School

When I was a child, I wanted to run away with the circus. I wanted to be a part of all the excitement. Instead, I went into teaching and got twice the excitement. . . . and some days my class is just like a circus.

Karen Yancey Lopez, Western Branch Primary

An inner-city ``Yankee'' was moving to the South. What had I gotten myself into? Four years later I listen to the oohs and ahs as chicks hatch or a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis. Smiling children finally understanding regrouping or telling time. Teaching second-grade math and science is fulfilling. I THINK I'LL STAY.

Bryan Denman, B.M. Williams Primary School

Teaching has always been a part of me. My dad often said he was going to teach me a lesson. In elementary school, the kids on the playground taught me a thing or too. In high school, I learned the facts of life. Now, I figure with more hard work and determination in first grade, I'll someday reach my true potential: second grade.

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