TEACHER'S CORNER: READING TEACHER WILL CHERISH GOOD TIMES IN HER RETIREMENT

After working 32 1/2 years as an educator, Wylene White has met many students and made numerous memories. A ninth-grade reading teacher at Central Junior High School, she plans to fondly remember the good times when she retires in May.

"It is difficult to single out one momentous occasion in the classroom since there have been several," said the wife and mother of two adult children. "I'd say the most satisfying times are when a parent or student informs me that I have made a difference in their life."

White said she almost missed out on those good times when she worked towards another degree while in college. Luckily, some extracurricular activities showed her education would make a better career choice for her.

"I came to the realization that I had an avocation for teaching while providing learning assistance in nonacademic areas to young people," she said.

Since then, White has worked hard to stay abreast of changes in her field, holding active membership in several professional organizations, including the International Reading Association, Missouri State Teachers Association and the Department of Reading Teachers.

In addition, White has studied in the United Kingdom. "Visiting classrooms of different schools, perusing their materials, talking with individual students, observing their methods and interacting with teachers was extremely interesting and educational," she said. "I acquired British reading materials for my students which I knew were available to them otherwise."

When not working, White enjoys playing bridge, boating and water skiing, travel in the United States and abroad, spending time with her family, and of course, reading. She is a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and the church's Kumjoynus Circle and administrative council.