TEACHER'S CORNER: MADALON ENJOYS TEACHING THIRD, FOURTH GRADERS AT ST. JOSEPH IN SCOTT CITY

SCOTT CITY -- Janice Madalon started out in archaeology. But after reading a book called "A Circle of Children," she decided she could help the world more as a teacher.

She teachers third and fourth grade at St. Joseph School in Scott City. She also teaches fifth and sixth grade social studies and seventh and eighth grade history.

The 10-year teaching veteran feels the rewards of her job are many.

"Seeing children accomplish something because I helped them gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. I love children and I enjoy their sense of humor. We work together - my hope is these students will go out into the world and remember this sense of cooperation," she said.

A special project she is involved in brings grandparents and other senior citizens into the classroom. "We really enjoy having them and the students are learning respect. My hope is that students will learn a respect for all aspects of life," said Madalon.

She believes that humor also has a place in the classroom.

"I appreciate a good sense of humor. The students sometimes play tricks on me. One time this year one of the students tricked me using a whoopee cushion (this happened before school started). The students did not react - because they didn't know how I would react. Their faces were so funny - I lost it. I couldn't stop laughing. This caused the students to laugh loudly. It was a fun time."

Madalon feels one of the greatest rewards can be students' respect, and one of their smiles.

She received her bachelor's degree in education from Central Methodist College in Fayette. Her first two years were spent teaching kindergarten at Father McCartan Catholic School in Marceline. The remaining eight years have been spent at St. Joseph.

Her husband's name is Kent.

Madalon enjoys volleyball - she played for seven years and coached volleyball at St. Joseph for four years. In her spare time she also enjoys cross stich, reading, singing and old movies. She is an assistant Girl Scout leader, sings with St. Joseph's guitar choir, and is active in a church organization called cursillo.