TEACHER'S CORNER: TEACHERS, STUDENTS EXCHANGE LEARNING

JACKSON -- Brigette Loos has always found that students teach as much as they learn from teachers.

Loos, a first-year fourth grade teacher at West Lane Elementary School, is entering her ninth year as a teacher. She said she has always recognized the reciprocal nature of her profession."They have taught me a lot about teaching and a lot about myself," she said. "With each new class of students rises a new challenge of some kind. I love the challenge of reaching and instructing a new group of learners every year."She said she relishes the smiles, gestures and various "thank-yous" she receives from her students. "Those things will keep a smile on my face and motivate me to continue teaching," she said.

Loos, who received the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year award for 1997-98, said she enjoys a hands-on approach to teaching science and often uses the computer as a learning tool."I find that these techniques and tools motivate students to learn and retain what they learn," Loos said. "Students in my classroom are using the computer, particularly the Internet, daily to enhance their knowledge and practice their skills."Outside of the classroom, Loos enjoys boating, camping and working in the yard with her husband. Her hobbies include gardening, volleyball and basketball. She also works with children at summer camps.