Ruralite Cafe: Published 08/22/02

By Lynn Hotaling - Associate Editor

Local students are lucky to have them

One of my favorite listening opportunities each year comes around in August when I sit in on the Teacher of the Year interviews. This year marked my seventh round, and it was another fascinating morning.

Each teacher makes a prepared speech, and they're generally lively and well done. But I prefer hearing them answer questions posed by the panel of judges. Based on the more than 40 teacher interviews I've heard, I can say that Jackson County teachers are an articulate, thoughtful group. They handle the pressure of fielding questions tossed by a dozen or so teachers, administrators and business leaders with grace and aplomb. The depth of their answers and breadth of their knowledge demonstrates local teachers' commitment to their profession.

County teachers seem to view education through a local lens. Their solutions didn't involve some nebulous "they" who should be taking care of problems; instead, teachers' answers centered around what each of them could do - right now - for students in their own personal classrooms and schools.

When asked by judges what they could do to make their school a better place, this year's Teacher of the Year class - Pat Proffitt, Smokey Mountain Elementary; Eddie Greer, Smoky Mountain High; Pam Douthitt, Cullowhee Valley; Gail McMahan, Fairview; Sandi Rogers, Blue Ridge; and Bethany Hawkins, Scotts Creek - gave answers about being positive, greeting students, helping new teachers, assisting other teachers with schoolwide projects, doing what needs to be done, never asking parents or assistants to do anything they wouldn't do themselves and treating everyone with respect and kindness.

Of particular interest to me was a question that asked teachers what they could do to encourage others teachers, parents and students to choose public education rather than home schooling, private schools or charter schools. Here are responses from the five who participated in this year's interviews. - Douthitt: "Have quality teachers in the classrooms who connect with parents. If parents feel their children are getting a good education, they will stay with public schools."

- McMahan: "Be an advocate for education rather than always complaining. Encourage parents to come in rather than close doors. Be active in the community and let the community see you."

- Hawkins: "Most of us are examples of public education - it has served us well. More things are offered in public schools like extracurricular activities." - Proffitt: "I really think we as teachers need to reach out more and be our own advocates. We need to speak out and promote our schools. I understand choices are good, but we'd like to keep students in public schools."

- Greer: "We need to do a real good job of teaching. If teachers are professional and know their subject area, word's going to get out. Parents will say ŒI want my child to have that experience.'"

Hawkins, Greer, Douthitt, McMahan and Proffitt also offered words of encouragement to teachers who are just beginning their instructional journey. - Proffitt: "Reach out for support, observe effective teaching methods and subscribe to at least one professional journal."

- McMahan: "Ask and it shall come to you. Be open-minded, be willing to listen, willing to share and plan ahead. And always have a smile."

- Greer: "Good luck, have perseverance, approach the job professionally and know the difference between being a friend and a teacher."

- Hawkins: "Hang in there. Find a mentor, get help and don't be afraid to ask questions."

- Douthitt: "Enjoy it. So often new teachers are overwhelmed. I'd tell them to ask for help and encourage them to visit other classrooms, talk to teachers and talk to parents."

As in past Augusts, the five interviewed a couple of weeks ago are dedicated professionals who fill our local classrooms, encouraging and cajoling students to scale heights the kids themselves never dreamed they could reach.

Proffitt was the judges' choice for this year's Jackson County Teacher of the Year. But local students - the beneficiaries of these teachers' wit, wisdom and experience - are the real winners.

Back to Archive: 08/22/02.