A lasting impression: Changing the world through administration

Posted

by BRITTANY HALL

The first day of school is a strange thing. It’s a roller coaster of emotions for all who are involved with it. Parents experience heartbreak through joy that their children are growing up and slipping through their fingertips with each year, while students feel a mixture of excitement and sadness that school is beginning, and summer is ending. No matter how old you get, the first’s always hit a lot harder with the butterflies than the ending’s do, because they’re the beginnings of a new chapter. Although these days are something we all want to look forward to, after the past few years it’s hard not to brace yourself for the worst while still hoping for the best. However, Emanuel County Institute’s assistant principal, Brooke Frye, says that she anticipates a year filled with the sweet and simple normalcy, we and our children all miss and remember.

“The education system as a whole has been dealt a tough hand of cards over the past couple of years.” She explained, “It has been motivating to plan for a school year that mirrors a pre-pandemic year. We are looking forward to moving the needle on student achievement, building new relationships, and fostering the old, and growing our community one child at a time.”

Frye has called Swainsboro home her entire life. She graduated from David Emanuel Academy in 2002 and went on to Georgia Southern University to Pursue an Early Childhood Education degree. Upon graduating from GSU in 2006, she began her teaching career at Adrian School of Performing Arts where she taught fourth grade. After devoting five years to the school, she decided to further her education by going back to Georgia Southern University to obtain her master’s degree. In 2011, she transferred to Swainsboro Elementary School where she taught fifth grade reading for three years, and the outlook gifted program for five years. In 2018, she graduated from GSU for the third time with an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and in 2019 she became the assistant principal of Emanuel County Institute which is a role that she continues to hold with grace and positivity.

“This is my 17th year in education. I chose this profession because I saw an opportunity for service. One of my greatest desires in life is to serve others, and this profession has afforded me that opportunity tenfold.” Frye said with gratitude.

Her diligence for creating the best learning atmosphere for Emanuel County Students is an important aspect of not only who she is as an educator but as a person entirely. She is accommodating, attentive and always confidently optimistic, even kindly explaining that it isn’t in her nature to speak negativity into existence when asked if there are any challenges in her line of work. These constructive characteristics will positively influence Emanuel County students as they grow into working adults and will leave an ever-lasting impression on their lives for years and years to come. While she’s dedicated to molding young minds, Frye also makes time for the most important part of her life, her husband Peyton and their two children, Lawson, and Anna Caroline.

Now that you’ve met the teacher and heard her story, read her Q/A’s below to further understand her core values as an educator.

What have you found most rewarding in your career?

Frye: The ability to watch the great things my students have accomplished once they leave my classroom. There is nothing like running into a former student and hearing them talk about their successes.

Do you feel that each of your students have left a lasting impression on you?

Frye: We talk often about how teachers impact the lives of students, but in reality, students tend to positively change our lives more than they get credit for. I think back to specific students often and reflect on how they positively changed me as a person.

What advice can you give to new or upcoming educators?

Frye: Remember to take time for yourself. Students deserve the best version of you each and every day.

If you could tell your past students or future students one thing that you hope will stick with them all throughout life, what would that be?

Frye: Be willing to make mistakes, success is not a one-time event, and growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.

The Blade will be featuring at least one Emanuel County teacher monthly. If you are interested or know of an educator you would like to be featured, please contact us at 478-237-9971 or email Brittany at forestbladewriter@gmail.com.