Matthews To Serve as QES TOTY

Kindergarten teacher Carol Matthews was named Quitman Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Cisco Diaz, Principal, announced the honor at Quitman Elementary School’s Honors Night.  A graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Mrs. Matthews has taught for twenty-one years in the Brooks County School System.  Principal Diaz stated, “Mrs. Matthews is very deserving of this honor.  She is a warm, enthusiastic, and caring teacher. She has a great relationship with all of her students while ensuring that all decisions made are what is best for them.  She is eager to learn as well as vulnerable when it comes to growing professionally. These are the characteristics that make a great teacher.”

Mrs. Matthews’ reason for entering the teaching profession is simple: she has a desire to inspire others and make a difference in the lives of children.  The most challenging aspect of teaching, according to Matthews, is keeping students motivated and engaged. She finds it rewarding to keep track of former students and watch them receive their diplomas upon graduating from high school.  Mrs. Matthews loves the humor of the young 5 and 6-year-old students she teaches. “During math one day, a student asked me how old I was.  I told him I was 6 years old.” shared Mathews.  The student eagerly told her they were the same age because he was 6, too! 

Mrs. Matthews is married to Gary and has one daughter, Mizanni.  In her spare time, she enjoys cooking.  Mrs. Matthews will represent Quitman Elementary School in the district competition for Brooks County Schools Teacher of the Year. The winner of the district competition will represent Brooks County Schools in the Georgia Teacher of the Year competition. The Teacher of the Year for Brooks County Schools will be announced at the annual Teacher of the Year banquet in the fall.