TEACHER'S CORNER: FRIENDS SAY TEACHER SHOULD WRITE BOOK

Janet Randolph says her friends think she should write a book. A kindergarten teacher for 21 years, Randolph has plenty of material.

She teaches kindergarten at Oran Elementary School and has for 11 years. Before that, she taught at St. Ambrose Catholic School in Chaffee.

Kindergarten is never boring, Randolph explained.

"For example, one year while decorating the Christmas tree, I had a child get an ornament stuck between his two front teeth by the hook," she said. "Also one time we accidentally used salt instead of sugar to make cookies. Another time a student had his head stuck in the playground tires."

But these mishaps offer a chance to teach lessons, Randolph said, and that is what makes teaching rewarding especially in kindergarten.

"The students are so innocent," Randolph said. "Simple directions such as `line up' become a foreign command to new students."

When a student learns a new idea, Randolph is as proud as the youngster. "The twinkle in their eyes is immeasurable," she said.

In addition to the other skills covered in kindergarten, Randolph teaches sign language. "I feel it is important that they can converse with all people," she said.

Over the years, Randolph has made friends with parents, students and fellow teachers.

Randolph has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and an associate's degree in child care and guidance.

She is married and has two children.

In addition to teaching, Randolph is a horseshoe player. She and her partner, Julie Senciboy, placed third in the Missouri Knights of Columbus tournament.

Randolph decided to become a teacher after her father expressed respect for his teachers.

"I respect my Dad and his opinion," she said. "I thought this would be a rewarding job."