Profiles of Elementary Excellence.

Profiled in this report are three Oregon first-grade teachers--the state's 1984 Teacher of the Year and two other finalists for that title. Distinguishing characteristics of the teaching approach of Jonelle Maurer of the Lincoln Elementary School in Grants Pass include phonics and group reading instruction, the use of activity centers, and a developmental skills device known as the "Brown Cupboard." LaNaya Ritson, of Eugene's McCornack Elementary School, makes use of a parent aide and rotating schoolwide P.E., music, and library periods to divide her class into three groups. Ritson also maintains contact with parents through weekly student work packets. The teaching of Tualatin Elementary School's Evelyn Andrews, Oregon's 1984 Teacher of the Year, is characterized by enthusiastic encouragement to students in and beyond the classroom and by an emphasis on the "real-world relevance" of learning activities. All three teachers share warm concern for their students and the ability to keep track of several activities simultaneously. They also utilize instructional time well, work with students beyond school time, provide positive reinforcement, set high expectations for their students, encourage responsibility and independent thinking, and involve themselves in educational affairs beyond their own classrooms. (JBM)