TEACHER'S CORNER: SC TEACHER TAKES HISTORY STEP FURTHER

Keith Kight takes history a step further with his students at Scott City High School.

"I try to stress the development of critical thinking and writing skills that will help the student not only to better understand history," he said, "but also help the student in other subject areas.

"I try to emphasize the ordinary struggles and sacrifices of Americans that have shaped the life we now enjoy," he added.

Kight teaches social studies which includes U.S. history, Missouri history, economics, philosophy and current events. He has been a teacher for 23 years.

Kight has a bachelor's degree in secondary education and a master's degree in secondary school administration, both from Southeast Missouri State University.

He decided to become a teacher while in high school.

"I was fortunate enough to have several excellent teachers to look up to as role models," Kight said. "I decided that I wanted to give back to education just a little of what education gave to me."

Kight remembers when a few years ago, some students in his American history class thought he should "get into the Christmas spirit."

"I have always had the reputation for being somewhat of a `Grinch,' because I always try to keep the students focused on school right up to Christmas break," he said.

"Somehow the class got into my classroom one day before school and decorated my room with lights and ornaments.

"Needless to say, I was speechless and quite taken by the determination of these very special students."

Kight, his wife, Kimberly, and three sons live in Cape Girardeau.

His hobbies include reading and collecting antiques.