TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER WANTS TO INSTILL A LOVE OF LEARNING THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

Joanie Skinner used to think she loved teaching primary grades best. Then she taught third and fourth grades, which she loved even better. But last year she taught fifth-graders and thought that was the best.

This year Skinner teaches remedial math at Jefferson Elementary in the morning and Reading Recovery at Alma Schrader Elementary in the afternoons.

"If you truly love children, it doesn't make any difference how tall they are, what grade they are in or how much they know or don't know," Skinner said. "What does make a difference is what I can do to be the best that I can be and instill in them a love of learning that will last a lifetime. If I can do that, then I have done a good job."

Skinner has been teaching for 15 years. Half of her teaching experience was with parochial schools and the other half in public schools.

She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and is nearing completion of her master's degree. Skinner enjoys being a student and hopes to complete a degree beyond the master's level.

In addition to teaching, Skinner has served on various school district committees including PTA and Project Partnership.

She and her husband, Roger, have four teen-age children, Natalie, Ashley, Nathan and Andrew. Her life outside school centers on the busy lives of her family -- cross-country meets, soccer and basketball games, and other activities. Skinner said little time is left and that is the way she likes it.

"I have been a very lucky lady," she said. "I have a wonderful family and I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful students, teachers and administrators. I am indeed very thankful."