I had some truly amazing teachers throughout all my years in the Appling County School System…but, despite my love and respect for each of them, and despite how much of an impact they had on my life, adolescent and teenage Katie gradually developed the belief that “anyone can be a teacher.” And I am so ashamed to admit this, but I also very arrogantly believed that I was destined for something greater than teaching…that I was meant to do something that “not just anyone” could do.

 

As those of you who were around to witness the start of my teaching career can attest, I learned (to painful degrees) just how wrong I had been to believe that. Life surprised me, first, by leading me to teach—and then humbled the heck out of me…as it tends to do. Not just anyone can be a teacher. And certainly, not just anyone can be a good one.

 

Had the amazing people mentoring me and supporting me as I started out in education not been unbelievably good at their jobs, there is no way that I would be standing up here today. These colleagues and administrators found a way to teach me, despite my uncanny ability during my first year to somehow keep finding new and innovative ways to mess up. I raised the bar so high on how creatively a first-year teacher can make a mistake, I’m telling you... Honestly, it’s not only that I wouldn’t be here today if not for them; I likely wouldn’t even be in this auditorium at all.

 

My biggest issue was that I was afraid to ask for help when I should have. During my first year in particular, I was in over my head, and I was dealing with all kinds of craziness in my personal life during that time. Most of the time, I felt completely lost…but I didn’t want anyone to know that. I didn’t want anyone to think less of me, or to view me as incompetent. Plus, I truly believed back then that I was supposed to be able to figure it all out on my own…that that’s what the job of being a teacher required! That that’s what the job of being a “smart, capable adult with a family to take care of” required. That these were the job requirements for teaching, as well as for being a competent human—and that the job was mine alone.

 

Now, since learning lessons in humility, and since understanding better my own humanity, this experienced, more seasoned version of me—the “me” who has struggled far more, and in far more ways, than the teenage me could have ever possibly imagined; the “me” who has lived enough life now to understand that for any and every one of us, it remains true…that your entire life, and every plan you have ever made or worked to see through, can be instantly upended and changed forever. What these years and their experiences have taught me is that no matter how old we are, or how grown we think we are, or how capable and smart and strong and situated we believe ourselves or our lives to be—we all still need good teachers in our lives, and we will continue to throughout our lives.

 

We all still need each other to help us make our way through the things we don’t understand. And if you and I can still need good, good-hearted teachers at every stage of life, even after having been through a few ourselves…I shudder to even imagine what some of our students may need from us. Especially when we may be the only “teachers” they have in their lives at all. Or how many times they are too afraid to ask for help, like I have been, even as an adult; or how lost they may feel…without wanting anyone to know, too ashamed or afraid, like I was, to ask for help…sure, sometimes with the things we discuss in class…but, sometimes, too, in a much greater sense.

 

My own experiences—the insanely magical ones, as well the tragic and heartbreaking ones—have all resulted in my having perspective that I didn’t even realize I was missing before. And, in providing me with more perspective, they have also given me an absolute wealth of reasons to be so, so grateful—to appreciate in a deeper, and in a deeply personal way, all the great teachers I have had throughout my life. Immensely grateful for my family and friends…grateful to be part of this community, and this school system, and, in particular, to be part of Appling County High School.

 

Not just anyone can be a teacher. But, for all of its challenges and heartaches; despite occasionally ridiculous testing mandates, or utterly nonsensical federal or state policy changes, I believe that teaching is still one of the most important jobs a person can endeavor to take on. It comes with the awesome responsibility of ensuring that our children—all of our children—can and will persevere, even when you and I are no longer around to guide them, in a world that seems intent on growing exponentially wilder; that is already, at times, frighteningly unpredictable. This world, and the experience of living in it, can be so scary…

 

And I know of only a couple of things that can truly combat fear—which means that, as a teacher, but also as a mama—as a HUMAN—those are the things on which I focus most of my attention at any given time. Those things are knowledge and faith. We tend to fear the unknown, or the things we don’t understand. So…I say to myself, my children, and my students: Ask all the questions. Ask for help. Arm yourself with knowledge. Keep a stubborn and unreasonable faith in the best things that you can neither see nor prove—like God, like love. Faith fuels our quests for knowledge, and gives us purpose. I’ve found that any time I have armed myself in faith and in knowledge, fear loses. And the more fear we’re able to conquer, the more space we create for the good stuff— things like determination, or joy, or hope.

 

So…I would like to thank all of you today for being good teachers…no matter what your official job title may be. My prayer for all of us, for each one of you, is that we will have a safe, productive, and meaningful year; that despite our living in a time of great division and uncertainty, we will be able to unite in our efforts to honor, together, this ancient practice that comes with such great responsibility—but which also comes with immeasurable reward—as we all strive to be among the best of life’s teachers…to not only our students, but also to one another, and within our own families. Because we all need, and will continue to require, good teachers throughout this life, no matter how old we get.

And not just anyone can be a good teacher.

Thank you so much.

 

I am very thankful for the recognition as the Altamaha Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. It is an amazing honor to be selected by the fabulous teachers of AES. This is the beginning of my 18th year at AES, and I have learned so much from the talented, dedicated teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators I have worked with over the years. Everything I achieve, I accomplish as part of a team.

Just to give you an example, my house flooded last year from Hurricane Idalia. My family was displaced from our home for months. Immediately, when my school family found out what was happening, they were calling, texting, and offering support. They offered a home for us to stay in, food, and supplies. They helped us carefully pack and move our cherished mementos. We had a caravan of Altamaha cars moving us to the house where we were staying. Their support allowed me to feel God’s love during that terrible time.

Students and families have needs like never before, but teaching is a ministry and an opportunity to serve. So much of teaching is showing God’s love and care for others. One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing my students learn. That learning is very dramatic in kindergarten. I get little students at the beginning of the year who know some letters, but by the end of their kindergarten year they are reading books and writing sentences. Last year I had a student who I asked to sound out some words. As he began reading the words, he said, “What? How am I even doing this?” I told him because he can read now!

Teaching is full of ups and downs, good days and bad days, but through it all we learn and grow as much as our students. I pray you all have a great year of learning and enjoy the ride.

 

 

 

 

I am so humbled that my amazing co-workers chose me to receive this honor!  Dr. Goodman asked us to share a message of striving for excellence and mentioned that we could share a fond memory from our first year of teaching. Well… I  thought to myself, if I was to share about my first year, it would have to be a formal apology to my students.

However…the teacher I am becoming, is a testament to our amazing school system we have here in Appling County. I have been so blessed to learn and grow from so many of you sitting in this very room. As we all know, teaching keeps presenting us with great challenges, but with these challenges comes growth, connections, and relationships that bring meaningful rewards. To all the teachers and administrators that have helped me overcome challenges and strive for my best, I say “Thank you!” I feel incredibly blessed to have your continued support and encouragement. I pray we continue to enjoy the benefits of supporting one another, as we invest in Appling County’s youth, its community, and in its future, this school year. Thank you again!

 

2023-2024 Teacher of the Year

Fourth District Elementary School

 

It is a great honor to be recognized as Fourth District Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year. When asked to speak briefly on my teaching journey, I gave a lot of thought to what I should say. In over twenty years of teaching, I have had countless experiences that stand out. Some made me laugh while others made me cry, and some made me laugh until I cried.

As I reflected on the countless lessons I’ve taught over the years, I found myself searching for that one lesson that encompasses my identity as an educator and in that search a profound sense of purpose in my calling to teach became clear.

I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a teacher. I didn’t line up my dolls in rows of imaginary desks and play school. I did not choose teaching; it chose me. The path that led me here was different from most, but it formed me into a teacher with a heart to serve and I’m very thankful for that.

My career began as a social worker attending IEP meetings as a foster care case worker. The needs of these children tugged at my heart and I realized I had a choice to make. I could either rush frantically through my job responsibilities as a case worker to only meet with each child on my caseload once per month, or I could spend every day with a classroom full of children and have the opportunity to truly change their lives. It quickly became obvious to me the direction my career path needed to take.

Sand Hills Psychoeducational Center (now GNETS) marked the beginning of my teaching journey nearly twenty-four years ago. Stepping into the classroom, I accepted the responsibility of teaching nine young students. Their developmental levels spanned from 18 months to advanced third grade. Among them were two non-verbal students diagnosed with autism, displaying stemming behaviors and sensitivity to external stimuli. Another student, a third grader, displayed advanced cognitive skills ranking in the 98th percentile for his age. The remaining students fell within this wide spectrum of developmental stages.

As I said, two of my students were non-verbal, and even though they had learned some sign language, I knew absolutely NO sign language at the time. However, I very quickly learned the sign for the word “NO” because the two students who signed to communicate liked telling me that (lol…Imagine here the students signing “no” with a very stern look).

The challenge was real, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. Every morning, our classroom came alive with the familiar rhythm of our daily routine. Circle time, a seemingly simple activity, held the key to unlocking a powerful guiding principle. As my students gathered in a circle, they unknowingly embarked on a journey of growth—one that would shape their social and cognitive skills. Here’s how it worked: expectations were clearly set, the approach was structured, individualized skills were taught, yet all students were all exposed to all skills, their voices were amplified, and successes were celebrated. As the school year drew to a close, I reflected on the impact of these seemingly mundane moments. It was then that I realized: these daily activities

weren’t just routines; they were building blocks for student success. The incremental progress, the bonds formed, and the skills honed—all traced back to our morning circle. In the end, it wasn’t just about academics; it was about nurturing the whole child, but in doing so, the academic successes were mind-blowing. And it all began with a simple circle.

That transformative year taught me my most impactful teaching lesson—one that continues to define who I am as an educator to this day. The message is simple: Every student, regardless of their abilities or challenges, deserves someone who has an unwavering belief in them and provides the opportunity for them to thrive. Every child is capable of exceeding any limitation that may be set, so don’t set limits. If anyone tries to tell you differently, you tell them “NO” (in ASL for effect). That year, and in all the years that have followed, the students have not only met, but exceeded my expectations.

Just like our students, each one of us has a unique story that led us into the classroom. Just like our students, limits can hold us back. Think about speed limits, they constantly hold me back (lol). In all seriousness, we are more than capable of not only meeting the bar but rising above it! When we feel supported and valued, we can surpass any previously conceived limitation, just like our students. I want you to know that you are capable of more than you realize and you are making more of an impact than you will ever know. Teaching is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who truly see the value and potential each child possesses. So, believe in yourselves and believe in your students, and have an amazing year.