TEACHER'S CORNER; VARIETY IS SPICE OF TEACHING FOR HOOE

JACKSON -- The life of an elementary teacher is anything but boring, which is exactly why Lisa Hooe became a teacher.

Hooe, a first-grade teacher at North Elementary School in Jackson, is in her ninth year of teaching. She said she tries to add variety in activities and teaching strategies in order to help her students learn.

"I can't imagine having to do the same thing day after day, year after year," said Hooe. "Teaching brings experiences daily. I'm constantly searching for new and exciting ideas to make learning fun for my students."

To improve variety, Hooe sets up learning centers around her classroom. In each area, the children have a variety of choices between activities that enhance reading, writing, speaking, understanding and math concepts. They also learn social skills like citizenship.

"I feel it is my responsibility as a teacher to create a learning environment in which children can pursue their interests and come up with a variety of ideas," said Hooe.

Of all the subjects she teaches, Hooe said she most enjoys teaching first-graders to read. It's an exciting time for them, and the transition to literacy is very gratifying for teachers.

"When students come to my classroom, they are excited about learning to read," she said. "Being a part of the transition from the non-reader to reader is the most gratifying part of my job."

Hooe will earn a master's degree in early childhood in May. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, traveling and shopping.

She and her husband, Randy, have two young children.