TEACHER'S CORNER: KINDERGARTEN TEACHER CALLED 'BEST' BY STUDENTS

Mary Walther finds it gratifying but humorous when her students say she's the "best teacher" they've ever had."I'm the only teacher they've ever had, too," said Walther, a veteran educator who teaches kindergarten at Trinity Lutheran School.

Walther has 13 years of teaching experience, nine of which are in kindergarten classrooms. She said kindergartners are fun to teach because of their enthusiasm and trust, literal thinking and honesty."I know I am in the right place at this time," she said. "I love it all, from the way the children's eyes light up, to their clinging to every word of a story, to a thank you from a parent or grandparent, to being able to share the love of Jesus all through the day."Walther said the school's switch from half-day to full-day kindergarten two years ago has been beneficial. The longer program means teachers can provide more activities and have more time to allow children to lead discussions."It's wonderful to have more time for enrichment activities in all areas," she said. "Children of all ages need someone to listen, and this provides the opportunity."One of the funniest memories Walther has also taught her a valuable lesson. Several years ago, a pastor who was giving a chapel talk to Walther's kindergarten class determined the children were not understanding him very well. He stopped his speech and said "Let's back up a minute." Simultaneously and without thinking, each child scooted back on the carpet.

Apparently, Walther was the only person to recognize their actions. "One thing is certain kindergartners take things literally, so watch what you say," she said.

Walther and her husband, Ralph, live west of Jackson. They have three children: Ryan, 19, Jana, 16, and Leann, 14. All three children graduated from Trinity Lutheran School.