"It has been said that middle school is sometimes the last chance we have to help students who are considering dropping out," says Debbie Henry, who teaches science at Sierra Middle School in Roswell. As a designated mentor-teacher, Ms. Henry has introduced her Roswell colleagues to programs that focus on ways to keep children in school and to increase academic achievement. She is also involved in the Education Easement Program, a state-sponsored program that provides high schools with ten-acre outdoor classrooms to enhance the study of natural and environmental sciences. Under the auspices of this program, Ms. Henry's students were able to undertake an in-depth study of the Pecos River that investigated topics ranging from natural biology to environmental needs of the community. Ms. Henry is also an ardent proponent of AIDS/HIV education.
I have taught now for over thirty years and plan to retire in August of 2006. In have loved my profession and the chance to work with so many students and teachers. I am not sure I can walk away from teaching. Time will have to tell me.
