TEACHER'S CORNER: TIME SPENT GROWING TOGETHER IS THE MOST VALUABLE PART OF LEARNING

JACKSON -- Becky Bockelman believes working cooperatively helps students grow educationally and spiritually.

Bockelman, a teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School, said working together allows students to ask questions, weigh differing opinions and learn from each other.

"Students bring into the classroom everything that is going on from their family lives to world issues," said Bockelman, who is in her third year of teaching. "We can discuss the issues, then turn to our Bibles for God's wisdom and reassurance. I believe the time spent growing together, whether it's during religion, science or PE, is the most valuable learning that takes place in my classroom."

Bockelman's funniest memory since she began teaching occurred on the playground rather than inside a classroom. One winter day, she decided to go jogging with a group of students to warm up, and out of nowhere, a student challenged her to a race. Being a very competitive person, Bockelman accepted the challenge, and the two ran across the playground at full speed.

"As we crossed the finish line, I tripped and fell over my own two feet," she said. "The result was a bleeding knee and torn pants. Although I won the race, the students never remembered that, and they never stopped laughing about the fall."

Bockelman feels privileged to teach in the school where she has so many good memories as a student. She now enjoys learning from her students even as she shares knowledge with them.

"Everyday in the classroom is unique, challenging and a real blessing," she said.

Bockelman married Joel Bockelman in June. Her hobbies include reading, playing softball, walking in the park and spending time with her family.

She is involved with the St. Paul Handbell and Vocal Choir and works as a softball umpire for the summer girls' league.