TEACHER'S CORNER: NELL HOLCOMB MATH TEACHER MAKES IT FUN

Jane Stovall has worked for the Nell Holcomb School District for 10 years, but only recently has she been a full-time teacher.

She started as a teacher's aide and bus driver for the school.

Now she teaches math for grades six, seven and eight, eighth-grade algebra and seventh-grade reading.

"I try to present math in an enjoyable way," Stovall said, "whether it is through lecture or having my students work cooperatively and in groups with hands-on activities."

Problem-solving strategies are included in her seventh-grade curriculum, and she requires her pupils to keep a problem-solving notebook.

"I try to utilize the outdoor classroom a few times during the school year with one or more of my math classes," she said.

In Stovall's seventh-grade reading class, the pupils write and illustrate a book for kindergarten-level children.

"After they have finished their book, they read their book to the kindergarten classes," Stovall said.

"I have my reading class read and discuss books and stories in groups, and they present the book or story to the class," she added.

Stovall said she decided to become a teacher because she loved math and wanted to share it with children.

"I want children to discover that math can be an enjoyable learning experience," she said.

Stovall has a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

Her husband, Mark, works at Delta Concrete. They have two children, Cody, 8, and Katelyn, 6, who both attend Nell Holcomb School.

Stovall's interests include horseback riding, reading and crafts.