TEACHER'S CORNER: FEELING GOOD IS KEY TO JOB

SCOTT CITY -- Craig Schnurbusch looked for a profession that allowed him to feel good about accomplishments at the end of each day. He found teaching.

He's been feeling good about what he does for 15 years. Schnurbusch is a learning-disabilities and behavior-disorders teacher at Scott City High School, working with students in grades seven through 12.

"I became a teacher because I felt like the teaching field was a very worthwhile occupation," Schnurbusch said. "I wanted a career that would make me feel good about what I had done at the end of every day. Teaching has given me that. I also like being around people, especially young people."

Schnurbusch said teaching techniques in his classroom are different than in many because he works with a small group of students or with students on an individual basis. "I'm able to break the material down into smaller units so the students are able to understand the information," he said.

Schnurbusch works with other teachers to help his students excel. "Many of the teachers I've worked with are very understanding and allow my students to have every opportunity to grasp the information they are presenting."

The most gratifying part of the job, Schnurbusch said, "is gaining the respect of my students. If the students respect me, I feel it's because they know I'm trying to help them to be better students as well as better persons."

Schnurbusch earned a bachelor's degree in education of the exceptional child from Southeast Missouri State University. He is married to Ann Schnurbusch. They have two children, Beth and Jill.

When not teaching he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and exercising.