TEACHER'S CORNER: MEET EVA WILSON, FIFTH GRADE TEACHER AT NELL HOLCOMB

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Eva Wilson, a fifth grade teacher at Nell Holcomb School, credits two people in helping her decide on a teaching career.

"My husband supported the idea of me returning to school as a nontraditional student," Wilson said.

"He even worked a weekend job to pay the babysitter while I was in class."

Her sixth grade teacher also played a part in her decision.

"Miss Alice always made learning a joy while keeping strict discipline which was expected in that day," she said. "I always wanted to be just like her."

Wilson has taught for 26 years, the last 23 years at Nell Holcomb.

She did undergraduate work at the University of Central Arkansas, Texas State Women's University and Arkansas State University.

She received her bachelor's degree in secondary education and a master's degree in elementary education at Southeast Missouri State University.

Wilson feels that the greatest challenge in education is the motivation of students.

"I am always pleased when former students tell me they remember the things we did or the books I read aloud," she said.

"I am proud when my students succeed and hope that I have had a positive influence on their lives."

Wilson lives with her husband, Ray, who is a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the Missouri Department of Education.

They have two grown children. Their son, Don, is a petty officer in the U.S. Navy. Their daughter, Sandy, is a secretary at Southeast Missouri State University and is working toward a degree.