TEACHER'S CORNER: KRISTI KEASLER BORN TO TEACH

BENTON -- Kristi Keasler was born to teach.

Keasler, a second-year teacher at Kelly Elementary School, said she thinks people are born with certain characteristics that enable them to be good at a job. In her case, those characteristics included a love of children and desire to help them excel academically.

"As far as I can remember, people have told me that I should be a teacher," said Keasler, who teaches second-graders. "I believe another reason that I became a teacher was because I didn't know how to help a family member who struggled his way through school."

Keasler uses hands-on activities whenever possible. In addition to aiding retention of schoolwork, activities also make class more interesting and develop skills in students, she said.

"This helps keep them from getting bored, which is in my opinion where discipline problems begin," she said. "I like to use activities that relate to current events and everyday life because it helps the children better understand what they are learning."

Keasler said the memories from her first year of teaching will remain very special. "I realize that in the first year you feel overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation," she said. "As I start my second year, I am still very excited, but I am also more confident."

Confidence and responsibility are characteristics Keasler hopes to see her students develop under her tutelage. Whenever possible, she said she gives her students choices.

"I don't let them depend on other people. I make them responsible for their own actions," she said.

Outside of the classroom, Keasler enjoys hunting, outdoor activities, and riding and showing horses. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family.