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Show Page ID North Edition Lakeside Review Wednesday, November 2, 1983 With Smile, Praise for Kids, Hamblen Teaches With Joy SHELLEY KANCITIS ROY Ron Hamblen is ready. So are his students. Turn to page 15, please, says Ham- blen. Thirty hands rapidly flip through their spelling books. Then he begins. Striding briskly among clusters of desks, Hamblen asks a student to explain the meaning of a word. The student answers correctly. Hamblen is delighted. His whole body smiles. Leaning toward the student, Hamblen enthusiastically proclaims, Great. Super. Words he will repeat continually throughout the day as his students glow with pride. Making students feel good about themselves is a hallmark of Hamblens teaching style. And it is one of the primary reasons he was recently selected as runner-u- p for Utah Teacher of the Year. An educator for 22 years, Hamblen currently teaches sixth grade at Roy Elementary School. He decided to become a teacher during a mission for the LDS Church. It made me realize I wanted to work with people, said Hamblen. After graduating from Utah State University, he began his teaching career at Elementary School in Lak-evie- ' Finally on Friday, I asked him to stay after school. I said to him, Scott, what the hecks wrong? For two minutes there was dead silence. He just looked straight at me with his big eyes. Then he started to cry, hugged me and said, I didnt think you liked me anymore. That day I made a commitment to never let a child leave my class feeling that way again. One time last year, Hamblen exiled himself. I just needed some time to cool off so I told the class I was going to Australia. They were very understanding and left me alone. Hamblens concern for his students extends outside the classroom and continues after they graduate. He continually contacts parents, usually with good news. Students are also encouraged to call him. I always give the kids my phone number so they Along with encouraging words, . can reach me if they have probHamblen bestows multitudes of lems with their work, said smiles. They spread across his Hamblen. k When a child is having a bad day and needs time to get his head straight, I suggest a trip to Australia. Roy. During two decades as a teacher, Hamblen has served on nu- phy. day and needs time to get his head straight, I suggest a trip to Australia, said Hamblen who credits the idea's inspiration to a book by Judith Viorst. Hamblen believes his most important responsibility is to help each student develop a positive self image. Thats what gives them the incentive to learn. w merous Weber School District committees. He is currently district trainer for the Precision Teaching Project, a program designed to reinforce basic skills on an individual basis. Typically, Hamblen has spent hundreds of hours of his own time to adapt the program for I dont use in his classroom. know any teacher who spends more time and energy to give of himself without thought 9f monetary reward, said Lincoln Sorensen, principal of Roy Elementary and long time professional associate of Hamblen. Always modest, Hamblen gives a former student the credit for crystalizing hisjteaching philoso- - large bean bag chair. When a child is having a bad One Monday, a student and I had a really rough day. Our continued through the whole week. It seemed like everything we said to each other came out negatively." Review Correspondent 10-min- ' Parker Fawson, Hamblens student teahcer, is also his former pupil. He always made us feel he cared about us as people, not just our academic achievement, but our emotional well be- ute ing too. " . In return, Hamblen is remembered by former students. He receives wedding invitations and baby announcements along with love and respect. face and contagiously transfer to students. Sometimes his smiles become gleeful giggles when he watches a close play during a kickball game. At other times they complement his well known sense of humor, described by a student as almost as good as Johnny Carsons. Jeanette Porter, a current sixth -grade student, echoes Fawsons thoughts. Mr. Hamblen makes you feel wanted. He treats you like somebody special, not just a student in his class. Photo by Shelley Kancitis MAKING A POINT, Ron Hamblens en- thusiasm for teaching is transmitted to students who develop enthusiasm for learning. Hamblen was recently named Along with concern for emotional well being, Hamblen expects academic performance equal to a childs ability. I encourage them to reach their full tie, his silvery white hair lending Humor is even used when he potential, said Hamblen. Hours a distinguished touch, Hamblen has to discipline students. In a of advance preparation, plus becomes an academic cheerleadcorner of Hamblens classroom, thorough knowledge of subject er. He makes the spelling of a there is a bulletin board entitled matter give Hamblen an air of word as exciting as an unexpect- -' ed touchdown. Going to Australia. Snuggled confidence and authority.-Neatlattired in a shirt and under the bright blue display is a Kevin, how do you spell runner up to the Utah Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes the top teachers of the year in all levels throughout the state. chairman? says Hamblen, his voice rising with excitement. He stretches his arms out and pulls at the air, urging Kevin to continue his correct answer. Beautiful, I liked that, says Hamblen upon completion of the word. Kevin beams, his teacher's smile widens and one more positive stroke is added to the long list of loving gifts that Ron Hamblen has given young people during his many years of dedicated teaching. 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