Empowering Educators

Reid here! I’ve decided that today I am going to stray from our usual “favorite books” theme for our blogs. Instead, I wanted to recognize some of my past teachers who are responsible for my development as a student, leader, and person.


My education is one of the things that I value most in my life. I am incredibly thankful for the many teachers I have had throughout the years.


If it wasn’t for the educational foundation that was built for me at Lowes Elementary, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If Mrs. Davidson hadn’t taught me how to write creatively by taking home our class stuffed animals, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. If Mrs. Robin hadn’t taught me proper grammar, I’d sound uneducated. Or, if Mrs. Goodman hadn’t taught me how to appreciate where I came from, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate where I’m headed.


After elementary school, I moved on to St. Mary Schools where my foundation was built upon. I have Ms. Wright to thank for teaching me to read like a scholar, and Mrs. Reed to thank for teaching me to write like a professional. I have Mr. Shelton to thank for keeping me up to date on current events, and Mrs. Dunlap to thank for teaching me how to give a speech.


I value my education, but I value the relationships I built along the way even more. As the late, great Pat Summitt said, “You win in life with people.” When it comes to talking about inspirational educators in my life, two women immediately come to my mind: Mrs. Allison Green and Mrs. Jennifer Smith. These two women are easily the most influential teachers and leaders I have encountered during my educational career.


First, I want to talk about Mrs. Green.


Mrs. Green was my high school math teacher. She taught me the ins and outs of statistics, college algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. But most importantly, she taught me how to be a good person. Mrs. Green always saw the good in others and brought out the best in them.

She was always quick to crack a joke. No matter how cheesy her jokes were, she never passed up the opportunity to make her students and coworkers smile. I still remember the day in Stats when we were talking about marginal distribution, and she went as far as to compare a “margin” to that “fake butter.”


The amount of time she dedicated to me, and my classmates, to make sure that we were prepared for life is something that I will forever be thankful for.


Now, I want to talk about Mrs. Jennifer Smith.


Simply put, Mrs. Smith is my mentor. She’s the woman I went to when I had a problem, and she taught me many life lessons. Mrs. Smith was my high school principal; and quite frankly, if it hadn’t been for her constant support and encouragement, I would not have achieved half of the feats I have today.


The Summer going into my senior year of high school, I had to have my wisdom teeth removed. My mom told me I cried for 2 hours straight after we left the doctor’s office…but not because my mouth hurt. No. I was crying because my principal, my mentor, my friend had announced her retirement. I couldn’t blame her though. She wanted to be home with her beautiful family.


I tend to get caught up in the details of things, but Mrs. Smith showed me how to care more about the important things in life: those who love me the most. Simply put, she made me a better person.


I have been blessed with receiving a great education from many individuals who I am extremely thankful for. I won’t forget the time Ms. Sparks asked me to remove her nail polish, or the movies I made in Mrs. Gibbs’ class. It’s the memories of playing “Ninja” in Mrs. Ralph’s class and playing “Booty Ball” in PE with Mr. Ehlers that I will forever be thankful for.