TEACHER'S CORNER: CHILDREN LOVE TO ATTEND THIS TEACHER'S CLASS

Larry Miinch believes he has one advantage over a classroom teacher.

"Almost every child wants to go to P.E.," Miinch said.

He teaches physical education classes for grades K-8 at Meadow Heights Elementary School.

"One of my rules in P.E. is that you have to have fun," he said. "That really helps make my job more enjoyable."

Miinch is a 1983 graduate of Meadow Heights High School. He received his bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

"My high school basketball coach, baseball coach and shop teacher all were a big influence on my decision to become a teacher," Miinch said.

Indeed, his duties at Meadow Heights also include those of athletic director, head baseball coach, and assistant high school and junior high coach for both volleyball and basketball.

Miinch remembers how just about every school year begins.

"When the kindergarteners come into my class for the first time," he said, "at least one is upset and crying because they are homesick and scared.

"That really bothers me, and I will always do my best to make sure that the child feels comfortable and relaxed.

"Usually that child will leave laughing and smiling and be looking forward to the next P.E. class."

Miinch likes being able to teach a child to do something that they thought they could not do, "and then watch them smile when they finally do it," he said.

Several times Miinch has been asked by his students why he took a job at Meadow Heights.

"They can't understand it when I say that I like it here," he said. "One day when they look back on their school days, they will understand why I like it here so much.

"The teachers and administrators here are all very good with the students. The students are respectful and easy to teach.

"In a small school like Meadow Heights, everyone knows everyone, and that just makes the atmosphere here more comfortable for everyone."

Miinch and his wife, Denise, have a baby girl, Tia Marie. His hobbies include archery, hunting, fishing and softball.