“I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth of a child…
I am Anne Sullivan tapping out the secrets of the universe into the outstretched hand of Helen Keller.
I am Marva Collins fighting for every child’s right to an education.
…those who have practiced my profession ring like a hall of fame for humanity (are) Booker T. Washington…Ralph Waldo Emerson, Leo Buscaglia, Moses and Jesus.
…I have a past that is rich in memories. I have a present that is challenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.
I am a teacher…”
Clarendon School District 2 Superintendent John Tindal read the poem about teachers written by John W. Schlatter at the district’s annual Teacher of the Year Recognition Dinner on Jan. 10 at Manning Junior High School.
“We have outstanding people working in our school district,” Tindal told the attendees. “The foundation of education starts in the classroom.”
CSD2 Senior Executive Director for Instruction Marie Gibbons, who coordinated the dinner, applauded the recipients, “It’s time for us to slow down and take the time to recognize some very, very important people. They represent hard work in the classroom. They have risen to the top distinguishing themselves in the classroom.”
Tindal also borrowed a few remarks from Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education.
“What are the qualities of a teacher?” Tindal asked.
Using the words of Duncan, Tindal added, “They are passionate about their work. They believe every single child can learn. They are life-long learners and they challenge themselves to get better.”
“Great teachers make other teachers around them better,” Tindal said. “They continue to grow and develop their skills. They put the foundation in place to do remarkable things. I am proud of all of you teachers. You make me look better than I am.”
“I am as motivated and fascinated with my job today as I’ve ever been,” he told the attendees.
Keeping up with the ever-changing world isn’t easy, he added.
“Knowledge is changing so fast that it’s difficult to keep up with it,” Tindal said. “Time and distance is nothing now. They are not factors like they used to be.”
The facts surrounding science and medicine may be accurate today and inaccurate tomorrow, he told the group. In social studies and history, the world is changing and teachers need to be current.
‘It’s important to teach about 1492, but 2012 is important too,” he added.
Tindal said that teachers are not only grounded, but they teach the young people good character too.
Judy McCabe, a K-5 teacher, was chosen as the Manning Early Childhood Center’s Teacher of the Year.
“Her classroom is a showcase for literacy in kindergarten,” and MECC Principal Betty Harrington. “She is absolutely a southern lady. She shows her students kindness, compassion and manners and she’s talented enough to be an art teacher. My walls are covered with projects that her students have done.”
Harrington described the books that McCabe’s students have produced over the years as “phenomenal.”
“She goes to her room in her quiet way,” Harrington said. “You may never know the impact that you have had on the lives of your students.”
“To witness the amazing growth that occurs, in both academics and confidence, during the kindergarten year is very rewarding to me,” McCabe said Jan. 11. “There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up with pride in a new-found skill. I feel blessed to be a part of this very special time in a child’s life.”
Anna Lynne Gamble, a third grade teacher, was chosen as Manning Primary School’s Teacher of the Year and CSD2’s District Teacher of the Year.
“If you look up the word teacher in Webster’s dictionary you’ll see a picture of Anna Lynne Gamble,” said MPS Principal Judy Holmes.
Holmes asked several of Gambles students to respond to the following question – I think Ms. Gamble is Teacher of the Year because….?
Here’s how they responded.
“…she is good at work. She’s good at teaching.”
“…she’s a good influence for her kids. She helps us with tests.”
“…she does a great job teaching her students and she always comes to school on time.”
“…she had done good helping us with what we need.”
“…she is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had and she loves and cares for me too.”
“Mrs. Gamble is the ultimate teacher,” Holmes said. “She’s creative. She knows her content, but mostly she’s caring and compassionate.”
“Humbled, loved, jubilant and grateful are some of the emotions of which filled my heart upon being named Teacher of the Year for MPS and for CSD2,” Gamble said Jan.11. “To me, this award is an honor because I am assured that my amazing colleagues have faith in my ability to teach and care for children. It is truly a privilege to represent such an exceptional group of educators in our district.”
Dorothy Tindal Ragin, a guidance counselor, was chosen as Manning Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.
“She reaches out to her students,” said MES Principal Terri Ard. “Here’s a secret about Mrs. Ragin – she’s calm and serene. She is not. She is hilarious. She’s really good at impersonations. She wears many hats and embraces everything and anything.”
“You are very special,” Ard added. “You make our day special everyday. Thank you for being you.”
“Being chosen Teacher of the Year is unquestionably the most extraordinary honor of my career,” Ragin said Jan. 11. “I have been recognized by my peers not only as a quality educator, but as an advocate for students. I have the opportunity to work with the most dedicated, hard working, creative and inspiring teachers, so it is an honor for me to be chosen among them. After 15 years in education, I still enjoy going to school everyday. It’s not a job. It’s my calling and I love it.”
W. Jermaine Motley, a special resource teacher, was chosen as Manning Junior High School’s Teacher of the Year.
“He was born and reared in the Bronx, New York,” MJHS Principal Jerry Coker joked. “He is a Yankee fan.”
“He’s our special resources teacher,” Coker added on a more serious note. “His students met AYP. Do you realize how difficult that is? He gets the best out of his kids.”
Coker said it’s difficult sometimes to find Motley in his classroom.
“You’ll look around the room to find where he is and you can’t find him at first,” Coker said. “Then you’ll see him sitting among his students. What he does, he does with class. He is a true professional. It’s a real joy to have you on the staff.”
Angela David Canty, a science teacher, was chosen as Manning High School’s Teacher of the Year.
“Mrs. Canty is excellent in our science department but she takes on other responsibilities and works with children outside the classroom,” said MHS Principal Preston Threatt. “She’s been working with Team Lead for several years.”
Threatt said MHS was very fortunate to have a teacher like Canty.
“She not only prepares young people to get out of the twelfth grade but she prepares then for life,” he said. “Her experiences bring added value to the classroom.”
She had a dream, Threatt told the attendees.
“I want to thank her for following her dream,” he added. “Once she started working with children, she was hooked.”
