TEACHER'S CORNER: PROJECTS AND HUMOR HELP STUDENTS LEARN

Although he is in his fifth year as an educator, Roy Meredith said he is still learning to be a teacher. Meredith, who teaches English and Publications at Notre Dame Regional High School, said he has changed his teaching style and classroom activities several times in order to be serve his students."I used to believe that the standard lecture route was the way to go, but as I've gained experience I've learned that most of today's students want to be active learners," he said. "That means that I have to find a way to get them to discover the information that I want them to have."Meredith said he often uses group projects and humor in his classroom. Students seem to thrive when they are allowed to be creative, and humor whether it's a pun or a corny joke can keep students motivated to learn."The students groan most of the time, but at least I know they are paying attention," he said.

Prayer is also a big part of Meredith's classroom routine. Each class begins with a prayer, and students are encouraged to remember friends or relatives in prayers. "I think many people would be amazed at the depth of the spirituality of some of my students," said Meredith. "These are truly caring people who want to make a difference in the world."Like many educators, Meredith said other teachers influenced him to enter the profession. His goal is to join the many educators in the world who are able to motivate their students to do their best daily."I don't care what my students go on to become I only want them to remember something they learned on their own in my class," Meredith said. "I go home very tired every day, but I get up every morning ready to hit it again. That's how I want them to live."Meredith enjoys reading, teaching and learning and is the secretary of the Southeast Missouri Student Press Association. He is married to Elizabeth Keith Meredith, and they recently gave birth to their first child. They have two Pomeranians, Pete and Lexi, both 6 years old.