TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER SAYS SHE ANSWERED CALL AT TRINITY

Elizabeth Babchak feels that teaching second grade at Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau was not just a career decision.

"I did not really decide to become a Lutheran schoolteacher," Babchak said, "but rather the Lord called me into his service."

She enjoys being involved with all aspects of her students' lives: the physical, emotional, intellectual, and also the spiritual.

"I have been chosen to teach his children how to live in this world," Babchak said, "but not to be of this world.

"The true blessing of teaching is watching and listening to the children share their faith and knowledge. It is so exciting to see their enthusiasm, and it is gratifying when they are able to apply what they have learned."

Babchak received a bachelor's degree from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Ill. She received her masters degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University.

She has taught at Trinity for 15 years, 13 of which she taught kindergarten.

Babchak has coached the cheerleaders for 13 of those years.

"I really enjoyed working with the children, especially after I had taught some of them in kindergarten when they were younger. It is always interesting to work with them again when they are older."

To mark the 100th day of classes at Trinity, Babchak's classes have 100 pounds of ice brought in for science class.

"I have done this for two years," she said, "and it has provided an interesting learning experience.

"Each year I have asked the children how long they thought it would take the ice to melt. The amount of time it took to melt was very different each time.

"One boy stared at the ice as it was time to leave for the day. In three hours not much had melted. He had predicted six hours, so he knew it would take a much longer time to melt."

In her spare time, Babchak likes traveling to see family members, crocheting and photography. At Trinity Lutheran Church, she has played in the handbell group.