Anne McEnerny-Ogle, who teaches mathematics to seventh and eighth graders at Waluga Junior High School in Lake Oswego, knew for a long time that she would be a teacher. As she was finishing grade school, she found herself explaining things to her younger siblings much as her parents had patiently explained things to her when she was a younger child. Twenty years in education have made her conversant with the changes that have taken place in the profession. "Technology has allowed teachers to present concepts in different ways," she says, "and reach students with a wider range of learning styles." She also notes that the increase in social problems has made schools "the most stable part of many students' lives." In her classroom Mrs. McEnerny-Ogle tries to "provide a sense of security through an atmosphere of gentleness with boundaries and structure." She believes that the challenge for any teacher is to make essential information accessible to a widely diverse group of students while recognizing and respecting their differences. Mrs. McEnerny-Ogle knows that there are many paths to knowledge. "I don't try to teach everyone in the same way," she says.
1974 Southern Oregon University, B.S.
