TEACHER'S CORNER: WOODLAND TEACHER LIKES COUNTRY LIVING

WOODLAND -- Although he grew up in suburban St. Louis County, Woodland Junior High School teacher David Jaegers has always wanted to experience life in the country.

This desire prompted him to live "in the fashion of Green Acres" for several years so he could build several land purchases into a viable farm and wildlife refuge.

He took a detour into construction for several years to help develop this farm, where he raises sheep and horses, but one day he decided that building businesses didn't offer any variety, while students presented a new challenge everyday. With this idea in mind, he obtained his teacher certification at Southeast Missouri State University in 1990. He also holds a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in engineering and public policy.

"With my students it's different," said Jaegers, who has taught for five years. "Each is a dynamic, unique person who I might assist in even the smallest way to realize their hopes and dreams."

Jaegers draws heavily on his experiences as a construction worker, farmer and conservationist to raise his students' awareness of how science is applied in their daily lives. He believes the only way authentic learning occurs in science or any discipline is if the student sees how a concept relates to them directly.

"In my classroom, we emphasize discussion over lecture and problem-solving over memorization," he said. "I try to instill in the students that each person has the right to speak, but only when recognized. In my class we prefer the word intelligent to smart, and ignorant rather than stupid. I really believe students need to note what words they use, because success is not reserved for smart people, and everyone is ignorant of something."

Woodland students, especially eighth-grade physical science students, participate in many problem-solving activities in Jaegers' classes. Problem-solving is important, he said, because it reinforces the idea that the mind is not static.

Jaegers said teaching is a gratifying job not only because he shares knowledge, but because he also serves as a role model for his students.

"The most important thing about teaching is to realize the need for each and every student to have a positive experience with an adult everyday," he said. "It sounds simplistic, but it's true. Growing up isn't easy, and reinforcing the value in each individual and a positive sense of self is the teacher's most important task."