TEACHER'S CORNER: MEET BEVERLY AUGUSTINE, TEACHER AT ORAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Knowledge is not first on the list of what Beverly Augustine hopes to accomplish with her fourth grade students at Oran Elementary School.

"I used to believe that if a child left my classroom with knowledge, that was enough," Augustine said. "My philosophy has changed over the last 10 years.

"Now my hope is that my students leave with goodness and respect toward others and self, wisdom to make wise choices and decisions, and then knowledge."

Augustine has taught for 21 years, the last 18 years at Oran in grades K-4. She has a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

"I believe that every child can learn and succeed," she said, "but as educators we must realize that children learn differently. One child's success level may be different from another child's.

"When you are able to determine by which mode a child learns best, you can challenge even the weakest students to raise their level of performance.

"The child learns to develop pride in his work and feels his self-worth."

Augustine said she is fortunate to be able to work with a community, teachers and administrators "who are willing to try new and innovative teaching methods in order that each child meets his level of success."

She uses Mastery Learning in mathematics.

"This means I am more interested in whether a child has mastered objectives," she said, "rather than achieving a percent grade. I hope to incorporate Mastery Learning in science and language."

Augustine is married to Mike Augustine who works for River Eagle Snacks. They have two children; Jeff, a junior at Notre Dame High School, and Sara, a seventh grade student at St. Mary's Grade School.

Her interests include listening to music, cooking Mexican dishes and sharing good times with friends.