TEACHER'S CORNER: LOVE OF CHILDREN LURES SEILER INTO TEACHING

A love for children and learning enticed Vickie Seiler to the teaching profession 19 years ago, and she has never regretted her decision.

Seiler, who has spent her entire career at Leopold School District, uses a variety of teaching methods to keep her third-grade class enthusiastic.

For example, she uses the Internet and a special library of books to teach students about culture and customs of cities outside of the United States. Students share the information they gain from these sources by producing a poster and small presentation. They then have a special day to get hands-on knowledge about the country.

"We have an International Day where the children will bring a food from their country for the class to share," said Seiler. "I also have some people from various countries come in and talk to the class about their heritage."

Seiler also uses magic to teach students the value of setting and mastering goals. "We practice magic tricks so we can put on a magic show for the kindergarten and first-grade students," she said. "This helps show the students that it takes work and determination to achieve their goals."

Outside of the classroom, Seiler enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and their three daughters, Nikki, 16, Becky, 14, and Maggie, 9. She is a member of her school's Parent Teacher Organization and is an officer in the 4-H Council, Ladies Sodality and Bollinger County Girls Softball League.