It's back to the blackboard
for this year's crop of young,
passionate educators.

Teacher:

Jennifer Shiffman, middle school

language/arts
"I'll be Miss Shiffman, definitely. I want the respect
immediately."

Pupils: Highland Middle School students,

Huron Valley district

Alma mater:

Degree in social work from
Eastern Michigan University; teaching degree from
Oakland University

Classroom experience: 1st year full-time
teacher; five years as substitute teacher, one year as a
permanent substitute in Huron Valley district

First-day duds: Jennifer wears an outfit from
Banana Republic. "I like pantsuits," she says, "especially
flared pants and longer jackets or sweaters. I probably
won't wear the applique Halloween sweater!"

How I spent my summer vacation:
"I taught summer school."

"You gotta have fun with teaching," says Jennifer. "I believe
in mutual respect, so I'll tell the kids about me. I want them
to know I'm a person like them, with similar interests and a life
outside the classroom." Jennifer has her hands full teaching
social studies, health, reading, computers, organizational
skills and a leadership class.

Teacher:

Dan Hamburger,
7th grade math
"This year, I'll be
less tolerant about
my name," says Dan.
"They called me
`Cheeseburger' last
year, but that's not
going to fly. Mr. H
is fine."

Pupils: Berkshire Middle School students, Birmingham

Alma mater:

of medical school

Classroom experience: 2nd year

First-day duds: Dan's wearing a plaid shirt from T.J.

Maxx. He often shops at The Gap, Old Navy and Abercrombie
and Fitch for sweaters.

How I spent my summer vacation:

traveled out west for three weeks, saw the sights."

"Middle school is interesting from an adult's point of view,"
says Dan. "I have to be an authority figure and set limits, but still
try to be a buddy."

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12

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University of Michigan, plus one year