TEACHERS GET THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE

Although the Missouri State Teachers Association district meeting in Cape Girardeau last week saw its typical dismal attendance, a wonderful thing happened that day on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

Four teachers were recognized for their meritorious service. What that means is, in a world where teachers often take the blame for everything from illiteracy to bad manners, they were recognized as being effective educators who really care about the ever-so-important task they've been given.

The honorees are a diverse group and represented several school districts.

One of the most inspiring was Larry McCann of Poplar Bluff. He worked at five radio stations and ministered at Red Star Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau before turning his attention to elementary music education in Doniphan in 1979.

Although he had a successful career going outside of education, McCann obviously felt as though he had something to give to students. Today, he balances his time in the classroom with private pursuits, including composing and publishing secular and religious music.

And then there's Paul Kitchen of Sikeston, who began his career as a teacher and football and wrestling coach in Dexter 32 years ago.

He too tried other careers, including stints in real estate, construction and insurance. But his love of education pulled him back into the field. He returned in 1984 to become a principal in the Delta School District and today serves as an assistant superintendent in the Sikeston Public Schools.

The honorees also included two teachers who stayed the course throughout their careers.

Linda Kay Rebstock with New Madrid County schools has served as a teacher-librarian at all levels during her 29-year career and certainly has seen many changes in the requirements of her field in that time. Today, she is helping to educate the librarians who will come after her. She teaches graduate courses for media specialists through Missouri Baptist College.

And Margaret Bilderback spent her entire 32-year career as an elementary teacher in Potosi schools, retiring last year. She still can't stay away, working as a part-time teachers' assistant at Potosi Elementary School and as a parochial school substitute teacher.

The four, and those who showed up to see them honored, have touched thousands of lives along the way. Other teachers, and those considering education as a new career, can look to them as fine examples.