"Class, today we're going to draw a picture of what you'd like to be when you grow up."

It did not take long for Terry Maire to know what she wanted to draw. She has many memories of holding a broom in one hand and a book in the other, and she said she's always wanted to be a mother and a teacher.

"Teaching is a God-given gift, one that should be used wisely," said the Cape Christian School fifth-grade teacher. I hope that someday my students will be able to say that it was in the fifth grade they decided they wanted to be teachers when they grew up."

Maire said she didn't immediately enter the classroom after earning a teaching degree from Eastern Illinois University. She stayed home to care for her son and daughter for many years, and only entered a classroom eight years ago.

She enjoys working with fifth-graders because they enjoy doing projects and having interesting discussions. It's also fun to watch the students develop good character and learn biblical morals, she said.

"A sense of pride comes over me when I see a student helping another or being kind in a difficult situation," she said. "The student learns that self-control is important and that there are peaceful ways to settle arguments. By turning assignments in on time and keeping a notebook, discipline and organization are also learned."

Maire said she thinks teachers achieve success by helping to mold a child into an intelligent, well-mannered, self-motivated person. It takes a lot of work and effort, but the results are worth the wait, she said.

"It is a wonderful gift to give the world," said Maire. "These little people have a lot to talk about, and if listened to carefully, can become teachers as well."