THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508290144
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: CARROLLTON LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
SHARON MASON IS A fifth-grade teacher at Carrollton Elementary School, and she is no stranger to first-day school jitters.
Named the county's 1995 Teacher of the Year in April, Mason has seen first-day anticipation written on students' faces for 15 years.
For seven of those years, she's taught Isle of Wight children. She also taught four years in Charles City and four years in Prince Edward County. She lives in Surry.
``You know they're scared because they are very quiet and don't know what to say,'' Mason says. ``They'll respond to you once you ask them something, but they're scared. I want to lay the foundation where they aren't scared and not afraid to ask any questions. I try to help them relax. That works very well.''
To relieve anxiety, Mason spells out the ground rules for classroom success the first day.
``I talk to them about homework assignments, book reports and projects. I let them know what I tolerate as far as behavior. For example, I don't allow them to chew gum. It's a school rule, and I reinforce it in my classroom.''
But students are not alone in their anxiety. Mason says teachers often don't know what to expect the first day of school either.
``Every year is a different challenge because you don't know what you'll be faced with. There's different attitudes and personalities that have to be dealt with. They all have to get used to me, and I have to get used to them.''
But Mason believes school should be easy and fun.
``I love to see children succeed in the classroom. I have the children explain to me what they already know, and then I take it from there.''
It's important that each child knows how much he or she means to Mason, she says.
``Children really need someone who will listen to them. And for six and a half hours a day, I'm that person.''
Name: Sharon Mason
What brought you to Isle of Wight County? I wanted to be closer to home.
Birthdate/hometown: Aug. 18, 1956/Surry
What's your fondest childhood memory? Getting my first bicycle.
Family status: Single, no children
Pets: A dog named Shadoe
What was your first job/worst job? Tastee Freez/none
Occupation: Teacher at Carrollton Elementary School.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Guidance counselor.
Favorite food/drink: KFC honey barbecue wings/Diet Pepsi
Favorite movies/TV show: ``The Color Purple'' and ``Martin''
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? The Bahamas
I can't resist . . . spending money.
Few people know that . . . I am the youngest of six children.
Most embarrassing moment: When I stepped out of my classroom, I slipped on the floor and bumped my head on the wall.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Pay off bills, build a dream home, get married and travel.
What is the best advice you've ever been given? To be myself during my observations for Teacher of the Year because that's what got me to where I am now - by Principal Lloyd Martin.
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? Understanding and kind words to say.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? My mom. She's strong-willed, has patience and always has something positive to say.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Becoming a teacher and being Teacher of the Year. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB