Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 26/05) - Some may say teacher Mary Ellen Binder should be looking forward to retirement, but she finds herself resisting the urge come fall with the start of a new school year.

"I could retire, but whenever September rolls around I feel like I should be in the school," says the Sir Alexander Mackenzie school teacher. "I could have enough in me to handle one more generation."

Binder moved to Inuvik in 1974, after completing a degree in anthropology. She only planned on teaching in the North for a few years, but it didn't take long for that plan to change.

"Once I got here, I fell in love with the North," says Binder.

"I started teaching a Grade 3 class at the elementary school here."

Her passion for teaching kept going from there. She began teaching other grades of elementary classes. Pretty soon Binder had taught every grade in the school, with the exception of Grade 5.

The joy of teaching runs deep in Binder. She has always enjoyed seeing her students learn.

"Like, when you explain something to them, and you see the lightbulb flick on, that look in their eyes. It's great," says Binder.

"Every day is different with kids. I love it."

As the years passed by, Binder learned more about the families in Inuvik.

"I am teaching kids these days, and I remember teaching their parents, when they were at the same age," says Binder.

"Knowing them helps me to get a better understanding about their kids."

Education should always come first, insists Binder.

"You really can't do anything or go anywhere without your Grade 12 diploma."

Binder is constantly relaying her message of success to students in Inuvik.

"I tell them that they can do what they want in life, after they've received a proper education," says Binder.

"Pick up a book, and make friends with it. Reading is great."