TEACHER'S CORNER: OVERHEAD PROJECTOR STILL A TOOL TO CENTRAL INSTRUCTOR

Mary Shelton prefers to use an overhead projector when she teaches her classes at Cape Girardeau Central High School.

"You can teach and watch your students," she said, "so you know if they are understanding.

"The work remains until the end of the hour, and students who missed something can turn back to get it."

Shelton teaches calculus, algebra II, trigonometry, pre-calculus and applied math. She has been a teacher for 20 years.

She received a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's degree in guidance counseling from Southeast.

Shelton likes working with students.

"I enjoy their ability to learn new and, or, difficult topics," she said.

"I also enjoy their sense of humor and outlook on life. It is exciting to watch them grow."

Shelton recalls teaching some students the ellipse.

"The students attended a choir trip in Washington, D.C.," Shelton said.

"They returned all excited about visiting the room called a whispering gallery that was elliptical in design. They saw an application."

Shelton is married to Ralph Shelton, who works at Procter and Gamble. They have two children in Jackson schools; Ryan, eighth grade, and Todd, fourth grade.