
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 7, 1994                   TAG: 9403080015
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Brenda McGrath says she feels lucky to work and live in the same place. McGrath, a science and social studies teacher of fourth- and fifth-graders at Huddleston Elementary, also lives in Huddleston and she often sees her pupils outside of school.

``I get to see them at activities such as sporting events, and it makes me feel closer to the kids,'' McGrath said.

McGrath, who has a degree in sociology, at one time helped her husband with his landscape contracting business. But while staying home for six years with her children, McGrath decided she wanted to become a teacher. So she became certified and is in her second year of teaching. Her job is ``everything I thought it would be and more,'' she said.

``Mrs. McGrath is always coming up with new and interesting ideas to make school fun. Class is never boring because she lets us do hands-on activities,'' said her nominator.

Married and the mother of a 14-year-old, 7-year-old and 10-month-old, McGrath enjoys gardening, cooking and reading.

by CNB