NAME: Lisa J.W. Winn

AGE: 42

POSITION: Eighth-grade physical-science teacher at Thornburg Middle School

YEARS IN POSITION: 11

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Science Department coordinator, eighth-grade team leader, National Junior Honor Society sponsor and athletic director

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: "My main community activity is family. I have four children that play sports year-round. Currently, three of them are travel soccer players. I do my best to support their teams here in the community by volunteering as needed. I also participate in community-related activities here at school. I support the National Junior Honor Society as we participate in appreciation events for different groups from bus drivers to paraeducators. We also participate in holiday programs where we raise money and purchase gifts for families in need. And, finally, I help my NJHS kids realize their responsibility to the school community by providing services like tutoring, tour guides, etc."

HOBBIES: "When I am not helping my husband shuttle the kids to and from games and practices, I like to paint furniture and decorate my home, read interior-design magazines and read suspense novels."

I BECAME AN EDUCATOR BECAUSE: "I love to learn, and I had great teachers growing up. I wanted to share that love of learning with kids."

I LOVE MY JOB BECAUSE: "I get to have fun every day! Most people think it must be hard to spend all day with 13- and 14-year-old kids. And yes, there are hard days. But the great days definitely outnumber them. In my science classroom I get to share interesting hands-on and problem-solving activities that often motivate kids who never thought they could learn or never thought they wanted to learn. It is very inspirational and rewarding."

MY FAVORITE QUOTE: From e e cummings: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

--Pamela Gould