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

DATE: MONDAY, January 9, 1995                   TAG: 9501200032
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Debbie Rains has several philosophies about what it takes to be a good teacher. But the one that she believes is most important is simple: "I treat my students like I would want a teacher to treat my own kids," she said.

Rains combines that principle with a strong religious faith, a willingness to get down on her first-graders' level and a belief that every child is special. "What these kids have to say and how they feel is important," Rains said. "You have to take time to listen to each one."

Rains, an educator for 15 years, especially loves teaching her Roanoke pupils to read. "It's magical how everything comes together," she said.

On Fridays, works stops in her classroom and a "Scout" meeting is called. Based on a series of "Pee Wee Scout" books, her pupils report their good deeds for the week, and badges are awarded. Rains' class earned a badge for baking cookies for a preschool class, and this month they'll be working on a swimming badge.

"They have fun, and it encourages them to do for others," she said.

A Portsmouth native, Rains is married and enjoys reading, shopping and spending time with her daughters, Katie, 8, and Sarah, 13.

by CNB