BROTHERS CREATE $100,000 GIFTS FOR CITY TEACHERS

Teaching has its own rewards, but an extra $10,000 doesn't hurt.

Ten teachers in Cape Girardeau schools will each receive the Edna C. Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award this year, which includes a $10,000 check to be used at their personal discretion.

The awards, which total $100,000 to be given annually, were created by Dr. Jerry Kinder of Cape Girardeau and Richard Kinder of Houston, Texas, in memory of their late mother, who worked in the district for 15 years.

The brothers said the award is meant to highlight the important role teachers play in the community. They also hope to encourage others to recognize the profession and offset traditionally low salaries teachers receive.

"It's amazing how little we pay teachers," said Richard Kinder, who answered questions by telephone during a news conference at the Cape Girardeau Board of Education office Tuesday afternoon. "If this is a way to just redress that inequity, then we're happy to do it."

Jerry Kinder and his wife, Polly, attended the news conference. Kinder said Cape Girardeau's teachers deserve recognition for maintaining a quality educational environment.

"I think sometimes they are underpraised," he said. "This was something we thought we could help with and maybe help to retain teachers a little."

Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska said the awards will send a message to teachers working or considering a job in the district that the community supports them. The awards also will improve the district's image and staff morale.

"I think it helps not so much to recruit individual teachers, but it sends the message that the community is interested in the school district and respects the district," said Steska. "It's one step closer to what we're trying to achieve as far as bringing the community and the schools together."

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce President John Mehner also sees the award as an image builder for the city.

"It adds so much to the community. It says that this community produces people who care enough to do something like this," Mehner said. "This is a very fine thing."

Surprise recognition

Teachers' reactions after learning of the award Tuesday ranged from confusion to awe. Most said they couldn't believe anyone -- especially individuals with local roots -- would provide such a large award unconditionally to teachers.

"We feel that we really are servants for humanity and we don't really get rewarded or appreciated. I think this will help," said Rebecca Richey, a Central Junior High School social studies teacher. "It's something that came from the sky."

Carol Brice, a Blanchard Elementary School reading recovery teacher, called the award a nice compliment to the school district.

"I'm glad they thought enough of us to do something like that. It's nice to be appreciated once in awhile," she said.

Teachers were uncertain how the awards might affect community support for funding proposals in future elections. The school board will likely seek passage of an operating tax levy increase later this year to boost sagging fund balances and provide additional funding for, among other things, teachers' salaries.

"I would agree with an increased levy, but this really has nothing to do with that," said Jerry Kinder. "This award is simply to recognize them for their work."

Desirable qualities

Edna C. Kinder taught special education classes at May Greene Elementary School for 15 years. Her sons remember her as a dedicated, patient educator who invested a considerable amount of time and effort in helping her students achieve.

The qualities will be among those considered in selecting recipients for the annual award. All teachers may nominate one colleague, and each principal may nominate one or more teachers for the award. School administrators are not eligible to receive the award.

A committee of building principals, Steska and Jerry Kinder will review the pool of nominees. The sole criteria are outstanding teaching success and positive impact on children.

"The difficulty will be in selecting the 10 recipients each year," said Steska. "We are lucky enough to have a number of very talented and excellent teachers in our district."

Richard Kinder said the recognition that accompanies the award outweighs the financial gift. Teachers more often receive criticism than praise in their communities, he said, which can be demoralizing over time. He said he hopes the gift will demonstrate to teachers their importance to communities.

"In a small way, we thought this was a way to get value back to our school system," he said.

This is not the first time the brothers have recognized teaching excellence. Smaller financial awards are given in two Texas high schools. Very often, the recipients spend a portion of their awards to buy additional materials for their classrooms that their districts cannot afford.

Richey said Cape Girardeau teachers will likely spend a portion of the money on classroom resources and professional development. She expects to be in contention for the award, and already has ideas about how to spend the money.

"There's never enough money for me to take trips, so I'd love to use it for that," said Richey. "It will enrich our teaching.".