Saturday, December 21, 1996
Name: Ann Niblock
Age: 50
Position: Teacher at Hauula School
Education: Church College of Hawaii (Brigham Young)
Pastimes: Sewing, handcrafts, yard work
"I grew up in the country, and I love the children," Niblock said. "They're genuine and very affectionate. They want to learn."
She switched positions in accord with the principal's request for some change at the school. But Niblock knew "from senior year in high school" that she wanted to work with young children - not that the job has been easy.
"There are times when I don't know where to draw the line," Niblock admitted. She is known for leaving her classroom open to children well after school has ended.
"Teaching is really all-encompassing. Your day doesn't just start at 7:30 and end at 3."
Niblock said she has been fortunate to have nice children in her classes, although there have been some years with "really challenging students." She credits her peers and the rest of Hauula's staff with helping her handle the difficult parts.
She finds her reward "when the children come to school eagerly xxx you can see in your children's faces that they want to be there." She keeps track of their academic growth, "but mostly I look at the child as a whole - how he fits in."