As a child, Eleanor Peterson knew the frustration of having academic trouble in school. She was a late reader, and a learning disability made spelling a mystery.

Peterson eventually conquered her learning problems. Today, those childhood memories give Peterson a special connection to the children she teaches at Washington Elementary School, 420 N. 200 West."You can see such growth, especially with the kid having a learning disability," Peterson said, explaining why she loves being a teacher. "When you make progress with that kind of kid, you know you've made a difference."

Her work as a resource teacher has earned Peterson the distinction of being named Salt Lake School District's 1991 Teacher of the Year. She will be the district's representative in statewide competition.

Nominated by her colleagues, Peterson has a cheerful disposition that creates a positive learning experience, said Salt Lake Teachers Association President Rhea Lisonbee. She was praised by her principal for "taking students under her wing and helping them work through problems," Lisonbee added.

A 1968 graduate of Westminster College, Peterson has taught at Washington for 23 years. She originally worked as a second-grade teacher, but then shifted her attention to children having behavioral problems or other learning handicaps.

At Washington, she helped developed the first program in the state where the resource teacher goes into the regular classroom to help the pupils with mild to moderate learning problems. Keeping them in the mainstream program minimizes the stigma associated with pulling children out for special education, she said.

A mother of three and grandmother of two, Peterson doesn't forget about education when the school bell rings. She and several other teachers have an after-hours tutoring service, Contemporary Learning, which delivers one-on-one instruction to learning-disabled students from elementary through high school.

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