TEACHER'S CORNER: JEAN WHITAKER TEACHES FIRST GRADE IN CHAFFEE DISTRICT

As a first grade teacher, Jean Whitaker says she loves to watch her students learn to read independently.

"I know we have had success when I see them sitting and reading and smiling, or laughing to themselves about the story," she said. "That makes my day."

Whitaker has taught first grade at Chaffee Elementary School for the last 31 years. Before that, she taught first grade for three years in Albuquerque, N.M., and for one year in Springfield.

She graduated from Hartville High School and received a bachelor's degree from Southwest Missouri State University at Springfield. She also received a master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

"I guess I have always wanted to be a teacher," Whitaker said. "My mother and father were teachers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the years I've spent in my profession."

Whitaker believes that the challenge in education is to help children realize that they can be creative.

"It's also helping students to realize how really important learning is; that it does last a lifetime," she said.

Whitaker lives with her husband, Ron Whitaker. They own Whitaker Ace Hardware in Chaffee.

They have a son, Steven, who also works there. Whitaker's daughter-in-law, Karen, was a student of hers.

Whitaker has two grandchildren; Bret, 5, and Stephanie, 2.

She enjoys reading, yardwork, crafts walking and being with her family.