TEACHER'S CORNER: NANCY ANDERSON TEACHES SIXTH GRADE AT PERRYVILLE HIGH

PERRYVILLE - Nancy Anderson never intended to be a teacher, but she's happy about her career decision.

Anderson teaches sixth grade at Perryville School where she has taught for the last 15 years.

"After graduating from college, I substitute taught while looking for a job," Anderson said.

"I discovered that I really enjoyed working with students and the whole school atmosphere. I then went back to college to get my elementary teaching degree."

A graduate of St. Vincent High School in Perryville, she attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. before graduating from Southeast Missouri State University.

"The greatest challenge in education today," Anderson said, "is meeting the individual needs of students who are at a variety of ability levels.

"The most gratifying aspect of my job is seeing students progress to a higher level of achievement in study habits and responsibility," she said, "as well as knowledge and seeing their self esteem grow as a result."

Anderson lives with her husband, Charles. They have two daughters; Jenny, 12, and Libby, 7.

Her interests include reading traveling, antiques and Bible study.