Teachers Of The Year

As the 2009-2010 school year begins, it is only fitting that the teachers selected by their peers as the Teachers of the Year last year be publically recognized.

Back in April, staff members at each of the four Jasper County Schools voted for the teacher, in their building, who best exemplified a model teacher. The four teachers receiving the most votes received an Arthur Court silver tray from the school system, a monetary award from the Bank of Monticello and McIntosh State Bank, and were honored at an end-of-the-year luncheon, sponsored by the two banks.

Serving as the 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year (TOTY) for Jasper County Primary School is Lyn Brown. Ms. Brown is in her 9th year of teaching, the last four of which have been in Jasper County. As a well-loved kindergarten teacher, “Miss Lyn’s” students look to her as their “second mother” and even refer to her as their “mom” on a regular basis.

Ms. Brown attended Georgia College & State University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Later, she continued her education by earning her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. When she retires from teaching, she hopes to be remembered as someone who made a difference in a child’s life.

Susan Smith was recognized not only as the Teacher of the Year for Washington Park Elementary School, but also as Teacher of the Year for all of Jasper County Schools. (To be recognized as the Jasper County Teacher of the Year, the four school TOTYs completed a written essay which was judged by representatives from the Chamber of Commerce. The teacher with the winning essay was named as the district TOTY.)

With 32 years of teaching experience (20 years in Jasper County), Ms. Smith has taught a wide variety of grades and subjects. Currently, a 5th grade teacher of reading, language arts and social studies, she has, in the past also taught kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th grades, as well as high school math – from pre-algebra to college level calculus.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Tift College, a master’s degree in Early Childhood education from Georgia Southern and later, a second master’s degree in high school mathematics.

When reflecting on her years of teaching and wondering what her students will remember about her, Ms. Smith notes that, “Some will say that I was mean and forced them to work too hard, but I hope most will say that I helped prepare them for their futures by not only teaching them academics, but by encouraging a desire to do their best and strive for and work diligently to reach their goals.”
Ultimately, upon retirement, Mrs. Smith hopes that her students will remember her for her love for her Savior.

Jasper County Middle School teachers voted Dionka Jackson as their 2009-2010 Teacher of the Year. Currently, an 8th grade reading and language arts teacher, Ms. Jackson is in her 13th year of teaching, 11 of which have been in Jasper County. Ms. Jackson is a graduate of Mercer University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education. Her graduate work was completed at the University of Phoenix, where she earned a Master’s in Administration and Supervision and at Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned a specialist’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

She has a good sense of humor and hopes her students will remember not only that, but also how she pushed them to excel and give back to their community.

Rob Andrews, the Career and Technical Instruction Coordinator at Jasper County High School, was recognized by his peer teachers as their Teacher of the Year. In his 11th year of teaching, eight of which have been in Jasper County, Mr. Andrews earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercer University, one master’s degree from Troy State University, a second master’s degree from Georgia College & State University and his specialist’s degree from Walden University.

He hopes that his students will remember him as someone who pushed them to get the training they needed to be self reliant in life. According to Mr. Andrews “As an adult, you either will support yourself or someone else will have to support you.” His goal is for every one of his students to be an independent, contributing member of society.