Yes, They Can 
**see For The Record 1/08/97 
Cold Doesn't Stop Aluminum Recyclers

40-lb Head At Jitterbugs 
Classic/modern-rock Act 40-lb Head Will Perform On Saturday At Jitterbugs In 
The Narrows Shopping Center, State Route 11, Edwardsville. Showtime Is 10 P.m.

Saturday, January 03, 1998 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1C 





January teacher of the month in constant transition &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 EDITOR'S NOTE: Each month, Times Leader Newspaper In Education coordinators
select a Teacher of the Month from nominations submitted in writing by
students. To be eligible, teachers must utilize the newspaper as a learning
toolMonthly winners receive a certificate, recognition and are eligible for
the prestigious "Crystal Apple" Teacher of the Year Award. The NIE Teacher of
the Year will be announced at the end of the school year in June. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By JOHN PLUCENIK &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Times Leader Correspondent &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 WILKES-BARRE- Bob Savakinus' job calls for patience, perseverance and the
ability to motivate. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A good set of track shoes would help as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Working primarily with the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, Bob
specializes in getting students prepared for the transition from school to
work. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Savakinus is one of nine Transition Specialists who works for the Luzerne
Intermediate Unit servicing 11 school districts. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 His title is quite appropriate. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 One day you might find him teaching a class at Coughlin. The next he could
be seeing students at GAR. Perhaps the next you can find him at Meyers
counseling a senior unsure of career goals. And if you can get through about
four sets of locked and guarded doors, you might even find him on the second
floor of the juvenile detention center teaching a group of students in a
"transitional" setting. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Even when you go out for some bread and milk, you might find Savakinus with
a class at Wegmans on a field trip. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 For his exemplary effort in many diverse settings, Savakinus has been
selected as The Times Leader Newspaper in Education Teacher of the Month for
January. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I teach them employment skills, how to fill out an application, how to
conduct a job interview, show them some career videos ...," explained
Savakinus. "I give them an idea of what jobs are available in the world and
what they need to get them." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 He explained this as 18 restless students at the juvenile detention center
on River Street assembled for the day's educational lessons. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 It's not easy. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The turnover rate of these particular students, who are there usually for
less than two weeks at a time, is an obstacle to long-term relationships.
There are other challenges as well. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Getting them motivated is the biggest challenge," Savakinus says of his
hour-long presentations at the detention center. "I try to get it across to
them that they're going to get out there in the real world soon. They are
going to have to find a job and hold it down and make money." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 John Chabalko, full-time teacher/instructor at the juvenile detention
center, appreciates Savakinus' support as well as the Newspapers in Education
Program. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Bob does a good job and we do use the newspapers in education every day
for at least a half hour," says Chabalko. "I like to use it a lot. They look
at it first thing in the morning. They make collages and use the geography
lessons. They respond to it better than traditional methods." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The transition program was recently started by Luzerne Intermediate Unit
Executive Director Kevin O'Connor and the Board of Directors. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "They had the foresight and leadership skills to know this transition
program is needed for the county, says Savakinus. "This program is the largest
in Pennsylvania. There is a need out there to help out the special education
students. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "The special education population has really expanded in the last few
years," adds Savakinus. "It involves those involved with the juvenile justice
system as well as gifted students." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Savakinus' duties take him to the three high schools in the Wilkes-Barre
area as well as local businesses. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I work with the teachers and students on a one-on-one basis or in the
class," says the 30-year-old Plains Township native. "We talk about career
goals and how to get there." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Savakinus mostly deals with students ages 14 and up, particularly those
ready to graduate and enter the job market. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "We take them on field trips to various businesses and talk to human
services managers," says Savakinus, whose local trips have included Wegmans,
Sears and Sallie Mae. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "We also bring in speakers and contacts with businesses and they are very
important to the program. They come in and talk with the students about their
company and tell them what the job market is like out there." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 One such resource is Noel McMullen, employee representative at Wegmans in
Wilkes-Barre Township. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "Bob approached me and asked if we can have students come here and it's
really worked out well," says McMullen. "I've gone out to his classes as
well." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 McMullen has hired several students recommended through the program. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "The students he has recommended are very positive and well prepared to do
a good job. It's been a real positive experience. The students seem to enjoy
it." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 McMullen gives prospective employees a good feel of what they can expect in
an interview. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I usually bring a department manager and have a mock interview," she says.
"We show them the right and wrong way and it's very entertaining and it hits
home." &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 "I think Bob is great and I enjoy working with him. He is

January Teacher Of The Month In Constant Transition 
Editor's Note: Each Month, Times Leader Newspaper In Education Coordinators 
Select A Teacher Of The Month From Nominations Submitted In Writing By 
Students. To Be Eligible, Teachers Must Utilize The Newspaper As A Learning 
Tool.

January Teacher Of The Month In Constant Transition Editor's Note: Each Month, Times Leader Newspaper In Education Coordinators Select A Teacher Of The Month From Nominations Submitted In Writing By Students. To Be Eligible, Teachers Must Utilize The Newspaper As A Learning Tool.