TEACHER'S CORNER: ORAN TEACHER STILL SHARES A LIFE-LONG LOVE OF LEARNING AFTER 17 YEARS

ORAN -- Seventeen years after becoming a teacher, Ruth Jones still enjoys her job.

Jones, who teaches sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Guardian Angel School, became an educator to share a life-long love of learning.

"It's a love of learning that I hope my students take away from my classroom," she said. "Getting to know my students and recognizing their special talents is always the most enjoyable part of my school year."

Jones stresses vocabulary development and meaningful discussions to her students daily. The two elements are especially important to the grade level she teaches.

"It's important as they make the transition from elementary to secondary school that they are able to express themselves effectively and appropriately," she said.

Jones aid she is enjoying the opportunities technology has provided her as an educator. Currently, she has developed an interest in distance learning using the Internet.

Jones and her husband, Robert, have two sons, two stepsons and five grandchildren. She received her bachelor of science in education degree from the University of Maine at Fort Kent and has earned post-graduate hours from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.