TEACHER'S CORNER: NEW HAMBURG WOMAN SAYS TEACHING IS A DREAM COME TRUE

NEW HAMBURG -- Sherry Bollinger fulfilled a long-awaited dream when she began teaching four years ago.

Now a mother and grandmother of two, Bollinger had married young and was unable to graduate high school with her class. After many years, however, she obtained her GED and received a scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University, from which she later graduated with a teaching degree.

"My daughter graduated from high school the same year I graduated from college, which was quite a treat for both of us," said Bollinger, who teaches fourth grade at Kelso C-7 School District.

"I had always wanted to be a teacher, and it was wonderful to finally fulfill my dreams of going back to school and receiving my college degree," she said.

Bollinger said she most enjoys teaching math, reading and Missouri history because the subjects provide many opportunities for variety in material and subject matter. She tries to create a constant atmosphere in which students feel good about themselves, and the best way to do this is by teaching them to care and respect each other.

It's also important to try to create meaningful learning activities that motivate the children and in which all children can feel successful, she said. One of her favorite "lessons" is an annual Thanksgiving feast, during which students and parents bring food for a re-creation of the first Thanksgiving.

"The children learn how different, yet similar the very first Thanksgiving was compared to their traditional meal with their families," she said. "At the same time, students are getting a lesson in both social studies and Missouri history."