An Educator's Philosophy

     When I took into the eyes of my students, I see what they can be. It is my responsibility, as their guidance counselor, to give them hope for the future.

     When I graduated from high school, it was important for me to leave my small, hometown of Arlington, Georgia, and the only way I was going to leave home was to go to college. One special thing I will always remember about my high school is that I was taught by some of the best teachers who knew their subject matter. They knew how to teach us to be hard workers and appreciate an education. Many of my teachers came from different states; they were able to teach us about life outside of a rural setting. I attended Albany State University, in Albany, Georgia, where I received a degree in English with a minor in Speech. I am thankful for my college experience. I participated in many campus activities, including becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. My sorority is one of the oldest Greek organizations that provide sisterhood and service to mankind.

     My grandparents were farmers, and they taught me the value of hard work and sharing my earnings with others. When I graduated from college, I chose education because it was a profession I felt I would be able to share with others and be provided with an opportunity to be a lifetime learner. We didn't have all of the career choices that students have today. I love being in education. My profession has provided me with many opportunities to meet several students who are now parents and successful people.

    I treasure the experiences I've had in the Alachua County School System. The success of a Guidance department depends on the support of the Administrators, Teachers, Guidance personnel, and all Support Professionals. I have worked and still work with some of the most knowledgeable and caring teachers and coworkers in the world. Additionally, I have worked and still work under the leadership of many Administrators who I will always admire. My being elected Teacher of the Year at Howard Bishop is indicative of the professionalism and guidance from many people. I will always remember the significant training I received from John Dukes, Mae Islar, Carolyn Whitehead, Bill Cake, Jeff Charbonnet, Dorothy Coar, Michael Thorne, and Doug McGann. My administrators taught me how to implement a Guidance and Counseling Program for all students. Excuses for not serving were unacceptable. I was encouraged to be innovative in planning programs for students and parents. They believed and trusted in a well organized, service delivery modeled Guidance Program for students.

     I truly value the concept of Student Support Services where guidance services, dean services, health services, food services, resource officer services, psychological services and Exceptional student education services meet to plan and implement success strategies for students. I appreciate Kathy Black and Bill Goodman for being loyal to a successful system for delivering services to students and parents.

     As Teacher of the Year for Howard Bishop Middle School, I am thankful to my coworkers for voting for me and thankful that they feel positive about student support services at our school.