My name is Brooklyn Smith; I was recently selected as Decatur County School District Teacher of the month. This is such an incredible honor to have received. I have grown up in Decatur County all my life. Many of my fondest memories are playing softball at Riverside High School, where we were state champs and state runner up. I still bleed blue and gold, and I am so glad I have had the opportunity to have a career in my hometown.
I have been an educator since 2018 at Decaturville Elementary. When you become an educator you are given so many opportunities to make a difference in the life of a student. One educator who made an impact on me as a teacher is Ms. Mary Alice Gibson. Even at 5 years old, I remember a day on the playground that ended with gum in my hair and the love of my teacher. As I was hanging upside down from the jungle gym, my hair ended up with gum in it. Ms. Mary Alice could’ve called my mom and let her handle it, but she didn’t. She took me in the classroom, washed, combed, and dried my hair, and in this moment, I felt loved. I knew that she cared about me. That experience has shaped me as an educator.
I feel that there is so much more to education than just reading, writing and arithmetic. One of the most valuable tools I try to give all my students is a personal relationship that lets them know that I love them and I care about them, then the rest will fall into place. Each child brings something different to the classroom, and each child can contribute in their own way regardless of any circumstance. I think a child will always give you their best when they know they’re important to you as a person, and it is so rewarding to see them flourish in the classroom. That is why I strive daily is to provide a safe environment where students feel comfortable, and they can truly shine. I want students to remember not for things I said, but how I treated them. Again, I am honored to be have been selected as District Employee of the Month. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity.