HONORING TEACHERS

There really aren't enough ways to recognize the contributions made to society by teachers who take their calling seriously and encourage students to reach their full potential. Every great American can name one or more teachers who had an influence in developing character and the ambition for success, in addition to instilling the highest values of learning.

Thousands of inspiring and conscientious teachers do their jobs quietly and with little recognition, other than the realization by their students that the best teachers have made a difference in countless lives.

During the 119th annual meeting of the Southeast Missouri District Teachers Association in Cape Girardeau last week, three educators were recognized for "meritorious service to education in Southeast Missouri." Their accomplishments represent the valuable assets of caring educators.

The honorees:

-- Ruth E. Kasten: This 35-year veteran of classroom teaching is a specialist in remedial reading. She recognized the importance of getting youngsters to read early in their schooling. Kasten encouraged the Cape Girardeau school system to get involved in a reading recovery program that had received international prominence. As a result, a cooperative effort between the school system and Southeast Missouri State University resulted in training for teachers in this program. Kasten was among the very first teachers to receive the training.

In addition to her hours at school, Kasten is involved in professional and community activities. During the summer she volunteers at the public library, at her church and at area nursing homes.

--Wayne Clarence Pressly: "I knew I wanted to be a teacher as early as elementary school. But had it not been for my high school principal, Bud Long, and the concern he had for his students, it might not have happened. College was not on my mind when I stopped to see him on a Monday morning in late August 1962. Our family just did not have the money. He made a call, secured a loan and I was off to Flat River Junior College." Here is an example of one outstanding educator giving credit for his career to another educator.

Pressly taught school, served in the Navy and eventually became an elementary principal and a middle school principal. He is retired after serving as superintendent both in the Nell Holcomb and the Chaffee districts.

--Roger Sherman: His teaching career began in 1958, and most of those years have been in the Sikeston school system. During those years he participated in the planning, implementing and expediting of new programs and many changes in the school system.

Sherman worked hard to get a two-year nursing program for high school students in cooperation with Park College of Parkville, Mo. This led to the implementation of a dual credit program for juniors and seniors whereby they could earn college credit while in high school. The dual credit program now is offered through Southeast Missouri State University.

Among them, these three honored teachers have contributed more than a century of service to education in Southeast Missouri. In those years they have touched the lives of thousands of students. Many of those students, no doubt, have gone on to successes of their own. Most of them very likely attribute their achievements to the concern and care their received from these three teachers.