Pinson Valley High School - Chieftain Yearbook (Pinson, AL)

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o f f 1 C e Teachers: The Backbone of the System Although many refuse to admit it teachers are, in many ways, the backbone of our prospering nation. The effort they put forth shows just how important their job is in their lives and the lives of others. Many of our teachers go to great lengths to per- form their duties, often against great odds. The faculty of Pinson Valley is com- posed of members who vary greatly in age and personality. Also of interest is the number of years of service to Pin- son Valley — the shortest term being a few months to the longest being about fifteen years. The great variety of per- sonalities is just one of many factors which contribute to the strength of the Pinson Valley faculty. Teaching is a career under fire to- day. Those attacking the profession would do well to remember the old adage not to criticize until walking a mile in the other man ' s shoes. 154 Mrs. Guthrie Mrs. Pitts Mrs. Saxon

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Dr. Kevin Walsh Mr. Bill Newbourne Dr. Wm. E. Burkett Jefferson County Board of Education Pinson Valley High School is an in- tegral part of the Jefferson County Board of Education, the largest subur- ban school system in Alabama. The School Board consists of five citizens, elected by popular vote, to serve stag- gered, six-year terms as the decision and policy-making body. The Board operates under the com- mittee system to approve educational programs, new construction projects, and employ the necessary personnel to effectively operate the school system. The board members are listed jSi here in the order of seniority: Mrs. Robert W. Gwin, 24 years; Mr. Bill Newbourne, four years; Dr. Kevin Walsh, two years; Mrs. Mary Buckelew, one and one-half years; Mr. Jim R. Hicks, since November, 1984. The president of the School Board serves as ex-officio member of each committee. Dr. William E. Burkett serves the Board as superintendent and secretary, and he is responsible for carrying out the Board ' s decisions. Mrs. Harriette Gwin Mr. Jim Hicks Mrs. Mary Buckelen FACULTY 153

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The Library: More Than a Storeroom of Books Mrs. Jackson Here at Pinson we are very for- tunate to have a modern up-to-date library that contains the materials including books, encyclopedias, magazines, films, clippings, pamplets, newspapers, and records to help in furthering our education. Our library acts as a service center to assist students and teachers in a variety of ways. No longer is the library a place of ab- solute silence except for the turning of an occasional page. Today ' s library i s a place of research and solitude but is also a video center of growing magnitude. Staffed by two very competent professionals, Mrs. Gwen Edwards and Mrs. Mary Nell Jackson, the library thus has more than adequate What Makes a Good Teacher What makes a good teacher? There are many distinguishable characteristics that make a teacher good in the eyes of the students. Here at Pinson Valley, most all of the instructors have the qualifications necessary to accomplish a high stan- dard of education. For everyone who has ever suffered through school, a good teacher is one who is able to get the point across to the students without confusion. If there is a problem, however, the ideal teacher is always there, willing to help. Mrs. Abbott supervision. Long time veteran Gwen Edwards states that she has enjoyed watching the development of Pinson Valley ' s excellent library facilities. The library has developed from a small classroom with several hun- dred volumes to the now modern complex which houses around 8,000. Mrs. Edwards L 1 b r a r y In order for a student to accomplish the goals that have been set for him, he relies on the instructor for guidance, and our teachers are definitely people who can be depended upon. There is more to a good teacher than the ability to make the students learn. A good personality is also impor- tant so the pupils will feel comfortable. There is no reason why kids must dread going to class and a proper in- structor can eliminate this problem. The greatest compliment that could be paid to a teacher is, You not only made me learn, you made me want to learn. An occasional statement like this makes the teacher realize their job is worthwhile. (Top left and right) Mrs, Jackson, library aid and Mrs. Edwards, librarian, (Bottom left) Mrs, Ab- bott teacties special education. Mr Adams teacties social studies. (Bottom righit) Ms. Beasley teaches Business Education. Mr. Adams Ms. Beasley FACULTY 155