ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / December 22, 1999

GARYVILLE – This month’s teacher spotlight shines on fifth-grade teacher Donna Roehl at Garyville-Mt. Airy Magnet School. A teacher for the past seven years, Roehl has been teaching in St. JohnParish for the past two years.

The St. John School Board is recognizing a teacher each month to spotlight.The program is aimed at giving teachers recognition they deserve.

In his nomination of Roehl, Garyville-Mt. Airy Magnet School PrincipalMike Coburn said, “Her high level of motivation and dedication truly makes her outstanding in her field. The level of understanding that she gives herstudents is second to none. . . she teaches for her students, not herself.”Originally from Florida, Roehl came to St. John Parish two years ago whenher husband, an engineer, was transferred by ABS Industries to its plant in Harahan.

Coming to Louisiana involved a lot of firsts for Roehl. She tasted etouffeeand gumbo for the first time, and the school board assigned her to teach fifth grade for the first time in her career. Before she had been teachingfirst and second grades.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Roehl said. “I have never questionedwhat I wanted to do.”When asked what is the best part of teaching, she looked down at her desk and thought for a minute.

“For me, teaching is an art,” Roehl said slowly, “and each student is an expansion on that art. Each day is different, and that is what makes it soexciting.”The different challenges are also what makes it a difficult job for Roehl.

Being a new fifth-grade teacher has meant certain demands for Roehl.

“Math has always been my hardest subject to master,” she admitted. “Butnow, it is my favorite subject to teach. I’ve struggled with math, but Ienjoy it because of the struggle.”Music plays a big part in Roehl life and teaching. An accomplished pianistsince the age of 7, she minored in music in college. She uses singing andmusic to teach her class.

“I was surprised there was no organized music program here,” she said.

Now she has her class learning to play recorders, and her students also entertain the community by singing Christmas carols.

Getting students involved in the community is a major goal of Roehl. Shesees education as a big circle that includes the community.

“The students tell their parents about the good things they’ve learned in school,” Roehl explained, ” and the parents tell their bosses and other businesses who help to support the schools. But it has to go both ways.”For example, she has her class make table decorations for nursing homes in the parish, and then she takes several students with her to deliver the decorations.

“Some of these kids have never really dealt with old people,” she said, “and these field trips help the child to socialize and interact with the community. It teaches the kids to help the community.”This sort of attention to the student has made an impression on her charges. According to Coburn, Roehl’s students say things like “She makeswork fun for us,” and “She explains do that we can understand,” and “Her style of teaching makes us want to learn.” With accolades like that, it isno wonder Donna Roehl has the spotlight shining on her.

When she isn’t teaching, Roehl like to relax by reading, gardening and spending time with friends and family. Right now, she and her husband aretrying out a new hobby – mountain-bike riding.

Roehl’s philosophy on teaching can be summed up in her words of advice to new teachers: “Nothing matters more than being yourself with your students. Be yourself and show that you enjoy your job.”

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