TEACHER'S CORNER: JACKSON SPEECH PATHOLOGIST TEACHES COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR A LIFETIME

JACKSON -- After working in a variety of medical and education areas, speech and language pathologist Diana Felker has found her niche at West Lane Elementary School.

Felker, who has worked in the district since 1992, said public school therapy has been the most rewarding because of the children's enthusiasm. She said the challenging atmosphere helps her to do her best for each child she works with.

Felker uses a variety of strategies to assist her students, including cooking, craft projects and card games to teach vocabulary words, problem-solving strategies and following directions, among other skills.

"There are no teacher guide books to follow, so one has to be creative and resourceful in planning and implementing therapy," said Felker.

Public school therapists often play the roles of mother, nurse, counselor and friend, she said. Their impact on the students' lives are immeasurable.

"Students often share thoughts and concerns with me that aren't always brought up in the regular classroom," she said. "My job is rewarding because I am able to make changes in a child's communication skills that have a lifetime effect."

Felker is married to Robert Felker and has two children. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a master's degree in education/speech pathology in 1980.