Teacher of the Year Has Passion

Even Rose Vowell’s last name sounds like someone who would love reading, books, and teaching which is what she has done most of her life. As a young girl back in Boonshill, Tenn., she “played school” with her dolls and stuffed animals. After all, she had grown up around teachers having two aunts who were involved in educating the children of the community.

One aunt was the school supervisor and the other taught second grade. By age 12, Rose was helping one of her aunts in her Head Start classroom. She met her husband, Steve Vowell, while in college at Middle Tennessee State University. Steve and his twin, Stan, were first her friends. Then, Rose says she “picked out the better of the two, and decided Steve would be mine.” She adds, “Well, that’s my version of the story anyway.”

Mr. Vowell has been employed at Navistar International for the last 30 years. They have two grown sons, Robert and Russell who Rose admits, “hold my heart.” Mrs. Vowell teaches fifth grade at Washington Park School where she tries to plant “the seeds to learn and grow” in her students. She encourages her students to find out who they are, to never give up, persevere, to work hard and think outside the box.

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Her determination began as a child on a large farm at the end of their mile long driveway. She says she was surrounded by people who lifted her up. She gained self-esteem and courage to stand up for her beliefs from being the daughter of a hard working farmer who let her help him in the fields driving a tractor at a young age.

She says she remembers he would be riding on the back of the tractor or equipment and he would yell, “Stop!” She would have to jump on the brake with both feet to stop.

For 62 years, her mother worked outside the home, first working in and then owning a jewelry, china and gift shop. Both her parents and other relatives were good examples for Rose to aim for higher education, achieving a bachelor’s degree at Middle Tennessee, then a Masters degree at Oglethorpe University, and continuing her education in every school systemespecially in Jasper County. When she is not teaching or the outside work involved in teaching, she enjoys devouring books and watching DIY and food shows on television.

Her favorite meal is pure country—chicken and dumplings, black-eyed peas and some type of greens.

Her life long mantra was probably instilled in her at an early age, the old saying, “Can’t never could and never will.” Someday, she admits, she is going to start on her bucket list; for now she is happy to be able to do what she enjoys teaching.

Congratulations, Rose, on being selected as Jasper County Public Schools, “Teacher of the Year”.