TEACHER'S CORNER: MILLS TEACHES THIRD GRADERS AT FRANKLIN

Becoming a teacher was a "dream come true" for Sue Mills.

"I can remember playing school at a very young age with a room full of imaginary children," Mills said.

"I have found that a room full of real children is a lot more challenging and rewarding."

Mills teaches third grade at Franklin Elementary School. She has been a teacher for 10 years with the last four years in the Cape Girardeau Public Schools.

She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University.

"Rewards come in different packages," Mills said, "from those special hugs to being a part of a child's experiencing success in a task with which he has had difficulty."

Mills said she hopes that she can help prepare her students to become contributing members of society with positive self-images.

"I want the children to have happy memories of their time in school," she said, "and at the same time, assist them in reaching the highest level of achievement possible."

Mills' husband, Dwayne, is a district manager with Cato Oil and Grease Co.

Their daughter, Michelle, is a court reporter in Fargo, N.D.

In her spare time, Mills enjoys traveling, golfing and watching football.