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

DATE: MONDAY, March 6, 1995                   TAG: 9503080014
SECTION: NEWSFUN                    PAGE: NF-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Sometimes the most important lessons learned in school are not how to solve a math problem or who won the War of 1812.

Social skills and human relations are the focus in Suzanne McClung's Roanoke County classroom. That's not to say that school work is not stressed. The special-education teacher for grades K-5 at Back Creek Elementary says academics are the vehicle by which behaviors are taught.

For instance, "my kids learn to raise their hands while they're reading," McClung said. "We try to figure out the best way to handle things. But when a child is not successful, we move on. We don't dwell on it."

But the success stories have helped keep McClung motivated for the 16 years she has taught special education.

"I have kids of all abilities in my class," McClung said. "It's rewarding to see them succeed. Sometimes, it's the little changes, like seeing a kid who hasn't had any friends go home with somebody."

Mrs. McClung "has taught me many important things," said the pupil who nominated her. "She is a friend to everyone, and I think I like school a whole lot more because of her."

McClung, who is married to a guidance counselor, likes to spend time with her two dogs and cat, and is active behind the scenes in Showtimers' productions.

by CNB