INSTRUCTOR ENJOYS HOME ECONOMICS TEACHING

Mary Beth Helderman took an elective course in home economics while a freshman at Southeast Missouri State University.

"I decided immediately that home economics would be my major," Helderman said. "I wanted to be a teacher as long as I can remember."

She has taught the subject in grades 8-12 at Woodland R-4 School at Marble Hill for 12 years.

Helderman received her degrees from Southeast, a bachelor's degree in 1980, and her master's degree in secondary education in 1983.

"Home economics, like other vocational courses, is unique," she said, "because it combines textbook learning with hands-on experience.

"All students, regardless of their career aspirations, can benefit from home economics skills," she said.

Because the courses are offered in semester units, students may "pick and choose" those courses they find most beneficial, she said.

"Teaching, to me, is more than imparting knowledge about a particular subject," Helderman said. "It is a way to positively impact young people. Through education, students are empowered to become productive individuals, family members and citizens."

Among things Helderman says she likes best is helping her students as they work on projects.

"I get a chance to become acquainted with a part of that student that I may not otherwise get to know," she said.

One of her favorite activities is a consumer education project.

"Students must choose a job, a place to live, buy insurance, plan menus, buy groceries, et cetera," she said. "They write checks and keep records. The project simulates a six-month time span, and it gives them a real feel for the skills that are necessary to successfully manage money."

Other class activities include buying and selling stocks, designing and videotaping commercials after students study advertising techniques, and carrying "egg babies" in parenting and child development class.

Helderman and her husband, Aaron, have two sons: Matt, 14, and Derek, 6.

Her interests include reading, playing the piano, and collecting antiques.