TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHER'S ROLE: MOTHER, NURSE, PEACEMAKER, COUNSELOR, FRIEND

JACKSON -- Pam Friedrich, kindergarten teacher at the Jackson Primary Annex, says a teacher is a mother, nurse, peacemaker, counselor, but above all a friend.

"Teachers have the awesome responsibility of holding the future in their hands," Friedrich said. "A child's self-concept needs to be positive and to see school as a good place to be -- a place where the child funds success and support."

As a kindergarten teacher, her goal is to instill a desire to learn. "They come to kindergarten in all shapes and sizes with a myriad of background experiences. The attitude they form about school in kindergarten will continue to be with them in their following schools years."

Children in Friedrich's class learn about reading and books. They are read to daily and have access to books throughout the day. Students are given the opportunity to write and illustrate books of their own.

Each child selects a "bag of books" to take home on Monday and read at home during the week. On Friday, the child returns with a picture or story to share with the class.

Friedrich has also incorporated a hands-on approach to teaching mathematics. Children learn math concepts with "manipulatives," items that students explore, experiment and interact with.

Friedrich has taught in the Jackson School District for 23 years.

The kindergarten building is just a block away from the high school. Friedrich said former students often drop in to say "hello." They frequently comment that the room seems smaller, but they remember the Alpha Time Letter People.

Her husband, Steve, is an elementary teacher. They have four children, Erin, 16, Brock, 14, Zachary, 11, and Joseph, 5.

She is a member of the Jackson Community Teachers Association and Missouri State Teachers Association. She and her family are members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. She has been a 4-H leader for six years and is currently serving on the Immaculate Conception School Board.