TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER USES HUMOR IN CLASSROOM TO CURE CRISES

ORAN -- Laughter might be the best medicine but humor is the cure for crises in Darlene Pearson's classroom.

Pearson, who teaches third grade at Oran Elementary School, uses humor to keep her classroom running at an even keel.

And this is a technique she learned as a student from one of her teachers.

Pearson is a graduate of Oran High School and returned to the district after attending college in Arkansas. She earned degrees from Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark.

"I was inspired to become an elementary teacher at the young age of 6, having been taught by two wonderful teachers," she said.

One of the teachers who inspired her to teach later became a mentor when Pearson returned to the classroom. Her inspiration had become her principal.

"That teacher and principal has served as a lifelong mentor," she said. "Like her, I use humor to inspire my students to reach their potential. Humor is the key component in keeping my classroom running smoothly."

The gratification of the job comes at the end of the year, when students say their year in your classroom was special, Pearson said.

"Having taught most of my students' parents and relatives gives me an opportunity to provide information to which the students can relate when studying community resources, careers, social studies and interpersonal relationships.

Pearson is married and has two children and two grandchildren. She is a member of the First Baptist Church in Oran and a Parent Educator for the school.