THREE TO BE HONORED BY MSTA

Franklin Elementary School reading teacher Ruth Kasten listened to Kaylen Harris read a book about a monster Tuesday.

As the youngster successfully read each page, Kasten praised him. She helped him sound out words he stumbled over. When Kaylen finished the book, she rewarded him with a hug.

Kasten, a teacher for 35 years, will be rewarded for her dedication to teaching.

Kasten, Wayne Pressley of Chaffee and Dexter schools, and Roger Sherman of Sikeston schools will be honored for meritorious service to education Friday at the Southeast District Teachers Meeting of the Missouri State Teachers Association.

About 2,500 educators from Southeast Missouri will meet at the Show Me Center to honor educators, listen to motivational speakers and learn new teaching techniques.

Gene Brunkhorst, who helps coordinate the annual meeting, said the meritorious service award is a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

"It's like the Oscar for these teachers," he said.

Also being honored are Myrnita B. Grantham of Cape Girardeau schools, Mary Lou Walters of Sikeston schools and Cheryl Lynn Boggess of Dexter schools. They have been named outstanding Community Teachers Association leaders of the year for Southeast Missouri.

Jo Peukert of Cape Girardeau schools will be named president of MSTA's southeast district for the 1995-96 school year.

Kasten said her parents taught her to always do her best. Franklin Principal James Watkins said that lesson shows in Kasten's enthusiastic approach to education.

"She always has a hug for the students," he said. "She has the ability to make people feel comfortable and welcome -- students, parents and teachers."

Kasten said the enthusiasm comes easily. "I love teaching," she said. "I've always wanted to be a teacher."

She started as a classroom teacher. In 1976, after earning a master's degree in reading, Kasten began teaching remedial reading.

Watkins said Kasten has always been receptive to new ideas and teaching strategies.

She was among the first reading teachers to receive training in a new technique called Reading Recovery.

"There are always new things that will help children," Kasten said. "That's why we're here, to help children."

Reading Recovery, an intensive one-on-one approach for first-graders, has a proven track record. Students who are behind in reading skills catch up with their classmates.

"It's very rewarding to kids," Kasten said. "They know they're going to succeed academically.

After reading thousands of children's books over the years, Kasten said her ultimate goal is to write children's books.

Pressley retired in June as superintendent of Chaffee schools. He had served three years at Chaffee and one year as superintendent at Nell Holcomb. For the nine years prior, Pressley was middle-school principal and administrative assistant in Dexter.

Sherman is director of secondary education at Sikeston. He also served as the district's high school principal for many years.