TEACHER'S CONTEST: KINDERGARTEN TEACHER PREFERS HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

SCOTT CITY -- Textbooks don't get much use in Angie Batchelor's classroom.

The first-year kindergarten teacher at St. Joseph School prefers hands-on activities and lessons to those contained within the pages of a textbook. Students need variety and like to touch, feel or smell things, she said. It helps them to learn and enjoy the experience.

"I teach around themes and learning centers," said Batchelor. "I believe that children learn best when they have the opportunity to participate and lead the classroom discussions."

Having a small number of students makes it much easier to vary the curriculum. With only eight students in her class, Batchelor said she is able to sponsor field trips and larger class activities than a teacher with a larger class would be able to do.

Batchelor said she believes society overlooks many of its children, and she wants to make an impact on their lives. "I want to help make a difference, and I believe that I can accomplish that mission by teaching."

Batchelor enjoys singing, shopping, crafts, reading and listening to music in her free time. She is a member of BPW.

She and her husband, Jonathan, have been married for four years. He is currently completing student teaching at Clippard and Leopold Elementary Schools. The couple attends Maple United Methodist Church.