CHAMBER NAMES TOP EDUCATORS IN CAPE, JACKSON

Local educators were honored by chambers of commerce in Cape Girardeau and Jackson Monday as part of annual recognition programs.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce recognized three people as Educators of the Year during a press conference. The organization began honoring educators in 1997. Teachers Ellen Lukens, Brenda Crain and Cathy Boyd were recognized for outstanding achievement.

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce announced four winners in its 1999 Educators of the Year program. Honorees are David Giles, administration; Pam Dumey, elementary; Bonnie Matzat, secondary; and Dr. Ann Puryear Scheer, university.

The Cape Girardeau program began in 1994 to highlight excellence in education and is sponsored by the chamber's education committee. The chamber's university relations committee added the university category in 1997.

Educators said they were honored by the recognition, which they called an "affirmation" of respect and support from the community. Award programs such as these help educators perform better, they said.

"It's an affirmation that people appreciate our hard work," said Lukens. "It's nice to be thought of."

Ellen Lukens

Lukens works at Jackson Middle School, where she has taught language arts for the past 10 years. She is a 20-year teaching veteran and the daughter of Lawrence and Louise Niehaus. She and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Jennie and Laura.

Lukens said good teachers know they need a give-and-take relationship with students. "We have to learn with the kids and learn each day," Lukens said.

Brenda Crain

Crain is head teacher at Gordonville Attendance Center and has taught third grade for the past four years. She has 28 years teaching experience. She is married to Joe Crain and has three sons, Brandon, Jarod and Blake Suedekum. She is the daughter of Jack and Norma Brinkman.

Crain said her basic teaching philosophy is to tap into student enthusiasm and "build a love of learning in children and get them excited about the school day."

Cathy Boyd

Boyd, a family and consumer-science teacher at Jackson High School for the past 16 years, is the daughter of Wilbert and Thelma Clements. She and her husband, John, have two daughters, Loren and Kristen.

Boyd said educators must keep up with technology so they can help students meet their full potential. Teachers can be of benefit to students only if they understand that students' needs change, she said. "When I think of where we were 10 years ago, it's totally different today," Boyd said. "You have to continue your education so you understand what the students are needing right now."

David Giles

Giles is assistant superintendent of elementary schools and curriculum for the Cape Girardeau School District and has more than 30 years of teaching experience. He said teachers who love their work can teach students academic, moral, civic and logical thinking skills without expectation of reward.

"The work that teachers do is the most important work there is," wrote Giles in his application. "Our expectations of ourselves, our peers and of the children in our charge must be consistent with the importance of our work. If you truly enjoy the company of children (or any age student) and accept the demands of the profession, then your students will learn what you provide for them to learn."

Pam Dumey

Dumey teaches music at Clippard Elementary School and has been an educator for 17 years. She believes fine arts should be a part of every child's education because it teaches them to think creatively.

"Through experiences with the arts, children learn to see things not just as they are but also the possibilities of what they could become," wrote Dumey. "I'm sure that every educator will agree that the true rewards in teaching come from your student. These rewarding moments happen infrequently and would seem inconsequential to most, but sustain a teaching career year after year."

Bonnie Matzat

Matzat teaches English at Louis J. Schultz School and has over 15 years teaching experience. A mission statement she created several years ago helps her apply a philosophy of hard work to make each student feel capable and special.

"Respect is a key work in my classroom -- respect for self and respect for others," wrote Matzat in her application. "My mission is to create a positive learning environment where each student feels special, secure and successful."

Dr. Ann Puryear Scheer

Scheer has worked at Southeast Missouri State University for 10 years in the department of educational administration and counseling. She teaches graduate-level classes and chairs or serves on a number of committees at the department, college and university levels. She is active in the local and professional community.

Scheer said professional service to elementary and secondary schools is important for university educators. Because of her willingness to participate, she is often asked to work with local public and private schools.

"I have contributed many hours of professional service to the public and parochial schools in the Southeast district," Scheer wrote in her application. "These activities include conducting professional development workshops for school counselors, teachers and administrators on a variety of topics, serving as a College of Education liaison to the America 2000 Alliance Steering Committee and serving on the school counselor Governing Board in a variety of capacities."

Sharon Braun, who wrote a letter supporting Scheer's application, said Scheer deserved the award because she is committed to her profession and her students.

"Besides being very intelligent, intuitive, creative and knowledgeable, she conducts herself in a highly professional and ethical manner," wrote Braun. "She is reliable, trustworthy and honest. It is only natural that her students, co-workers and friends hold her in genuine esteem.

Cape Girardeau Educators of the Year will be honored with a banquet May 6 at the Drury Lodge. Honorees will receive a cash award of $500 each and a crystal apple of recognition. For dinner reservations, contact Linda Minner at (573) 335-3312. Cost for the dinner is $13.

Jackson Educators of the Year will be honored with a banquet April 22. Recipients will receive several prizes in recognition of their honor. For dinner reservations, contact Ken Parrett this week at (573) 243-8131. Cost for the dinner is $7.