TEACHER FEATURE: TEACHER SAUNDRA FIDLER FEELS STUDENTS NEED THEIR OWN STYLE

Saundra Fidler wants her students at Louis J. Schultz School to establish their own style and originality.

"Kids today are so alive with knowledge, spirit and ability that one must be careful not to stifle this energy but enhance it so they can demonstrate it productively rather than destructively," she said.

Fidler is an art teacher at the school.

"Art is a flexible class requiring movement to get supplies," she said. "I've found supervision and control of the classroom is a necessity due to the movement."

But Fidler also lets the students test their creative sides.

"I also demonstrate techniques and lessons since we don't have textbooks," she said. "I emphasize students using my techniques and applying them to their own style so as to establish their own creativity and originality."

"All students will excel if given the opportunity and patience needed to fully understand the concept in the lesson," she said.

And after 21 years as a teacher, Fidler has learned to be patient at her job. Teaching gives her a feeling of enjoyment and self-worth. Teachers have the privilege to work with our most valuable assets -- tomorrow's future, she said.

"As a teacher, I try to represent myself in a positive manner because in many cases, you may be the only positive aspect the student encounters throughout his day," she said.

Fidler is new to the Cape Girardeau School District. She teaches art and English classes at Louis J. Schultz School. She and her husband, Randie, have two sons.