TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER'S REWARD IS WHEN A STUDENT SUCCEEDS

Sue LaBryere realizes what makes teaching special.

"Every teacher is rewarded when a student's eyes light up after they finally master a concept," LaBryere said.

"It is very rewarding to have a student return to tell you of their success in life. That is why we are here."

LaBryere has been a teacher at Chaffee for 24 years. She teaches sixth grade.

"Teaching seems to run in the family," she said.

After a few "enjoyable" years as a private secretary in Chicago, Ill., she went to Southeast Missouri State University where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She later received a master's degree in elementary education and counseling from Southeast.

This year LaBryere is trying cooperative learning in math and social studies.

"The students work together on projects in small groups," she said.

"It is too early in the year to evaluate, but the students seem to enjoy this very much."

LaBryere is also teaching reading this year through the Reading Recovery approach.

"Nancy McGrew introduced this program in summer school," she said.

"It seemed very successful and I decided to try it. This approach to reading was developed by using the techniques that good readers use.

"The student, not the teacher, uses the reading techniques. The student is rewarded for his success and this builds the student's self-esteem."

LaBryere has a son, Gary, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; a daughter, Terri, of St. Louis; and two grandchildren, Paddie LaBryere and Kyle Loy.

Her interests include traveling, swimming and playing Bridge.