Ms. Jill Farlow has been selected as the district-wide Teacher of the Month for January. We recently asked Jill a few questions about her background, history, and thoughts on education.
“I was a graduate of Riverside High School and went on to Murray State University where I received my bachelor’s in agriculture Mechanization and my master’s in agriculture science. I then taught agriculture for two years at Covington High School and later went to work in the private industry for an agriculture equipment manufacturer. I went back into agriculture education at Obion County Central where I taught 5 years. I came back to Riverside High School and Decatur County Schools where I have been ever since with the exception of 1 year at Spring Station Middle School. I have taught 6th, 7th, 8th grade science, Agriculture, and currently teach Chemistry. I have also been an active FFA advisor in the past and currently sponsor our high school Beta Club.
My educational philosophy is simple: help the student succeed. Not every kid is going to major in Chemistry, but some will. I have to prepare all my students for the next steps in their lives. Sometimes that looks like ACT prep, extra help with thermochemistry for an advanced student, one on one help with balancing equations, or just listening when they need to talk. I also support them. I watch their games, plays, recitals, and competitions. As teachers we have to invest in the lives of our kids because they will rise to meet our expectations if they know we care.
My favorite part of teaching is the students. I have great kids. Decatur County has great kids! I love seeing them every day. They always have something to say and it's cool to see them learn new things. One thing I would change about my job is getting up early. I feel that it builds empathy with my students. We are all in that boat together, so we make do.”
We are so proud of Ms. Jill and how much she loves Decatur County and its students! Congratulations Ms. Jill and thank you for pouring in to our schools and students!