Nancy S. Grasmick began as a teacher of deaf children at the William S. Baer School in Baltimore. She subsequently served as a classroom and resource teacher, principal, supervisor, assistant superintendent and associate superintendent in the Baltimore County Public School System. In 1989, Gov. William Donald Schaefer appointed her special secretary for children, youth and families; in 1991, the State Board of Education appointed her state superintendent of schools, and last week, the panel extended her contract for four more years.

" Eleanor: The Years Alone" / by Joseph P. Lash / Deutsch / 368 pages / $10

I was so impressed with the broad influence and strength of Eleanor Roosevelt after the death of her husband and her continuing commitment to make a difference in our society.

"Helen and Teacher: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy" / by Joseph P. Lash / Addison-Wesley Publishing Company / 832 pages / $24 This book inspired me to understand the power of a teacher in the life of a disabled child and thus motivated me to become a teacher of deaf children.

"The Bible" / Hendrickson Publishers / $30

This powerful book has guided my life by shaping my values and belief systems.