It’s safe to say that we have all experienced at least one inspirational teacher who helped us to understand their subject more and taught us to become a better person. The best teachers pass on this burning enthusiasm to their students, inspiring students to view the subject through refreshed lenses and to see things from a different perspective. Some inspired students have even gone on to become teachers, which is the case for one of Swainsboro Primary School’s most encouraging educators, Kristie Brantley.
“I’ve always loved working with children and felt that I could make a difference as an educator.” She explained, “God placed me where He needed me and that just so happened to be right here in the Emanuel County school system.”
After completing her Associate of Arts degree, Jessica Barber encouraged her to go back to college to complete her degree in education. From there, a good friend of hers, Cissy Peebles, helped her study and prepare for the GACE.
“God uses people throughout our lives to motivate and guide us. Jessica was one of many that He placed in my life to get me to where I am today.” She explained with a smile, “Cissy has also played a huge part in my life and has remained such a good friend.”
Brantley began working with the Emanuel County Board of Education in 2003. However, her teaching career began twelve years ago after working as a substitute teacher for the Swainsboro Pre-kindergarten program and later as a paraprofessional at Swainsboro Primary School. During this time, she obtained an Associate of Arts with a major in Teacher Education from East Georgia State College in 2006, then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Special Education from the University of Georgia in 2009. She has committed the past eleven years to teaching kindergarten with four of those years dedicated to teaching the kindergarten Early Intervention Program (EIP).
“Working with Sue Andrews for three years and assisting with her classroom is where I really fell in love with teaching.” explained Brantley, “Helping students and encouraging them to meet their full potential was extremely fulfilling. My goal was always to make a difference and help students overcome challenges.”
Throughout her career, Brantley has earned many sophisticated titles and has been honored for her ambition through teaching. She has been named Co-Chair of the Yearbook Committee since 2011, was the ESGI (Educational Software for Guiding Instruction) training Instructor at Swainsboro Primary School from 2020 to 2023, obtained her MindSet Training Curriculum Foundations Instructor Certification in 2021, participated in the GLISI (Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement) in 2016, received the “Making a Difference Award” on September 13, 2022, earned the Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence Bronze Award for the 2022 to 2023 school year and received the title of Swainsboro Primary School Teacher of the Year of 2022-2023.
When asked what she loves most about Swainsboro Primary School, Brantley said:
“Swainsboro Primary School is a tight knit family. I have an amazing support system there. It takes a school family to build up positive and empowered teachers. That’s what I consider SPS, my family. Working with people who “get you” and encourage you is an amazing experience. I’m grateful to have so many incredible people that I can rely on.”
It was these same fundamentals that the Swainsboro Tigers school system has upheld, that first inspired her to become the uplifting, inspirational teacher that she is today:
“There were so many that touched my life that I could never name just one. So many teachers have left a lasting impression on my life and who have gone above and beyond to help me be successful throughout my school career. Linda Carmicheal and Lucreica Sapp are the teachers from my early years. They worked with my mom, Debbie Wilson, to make sure I was getting the support I needed. These teachers loved their jobs and expressed it by the care they had for their students. In middle school and high school, Stephanie Dollar was my go-to teacher. She consistently made learning fun and she always made it matter. There was never “just” a math problem or “just” an essay. Everything she taught had some intention or nuance relating to life beyond the walls of Swainsboro High School.”
In addition to teaching, Brantley enjoys spending time with her husband of 18 years, Dustin, who she met while attending Swainsboro High School, their two amazing children, 16-year-old Madison and 13-year-old Noah, and their three dogs: Aubrey, Casper, and Nala. The Brantley’s are passionate about the great outdoors and plan to make many new memories through exploration this summer.
“Family time is a key part of our daily lives, especially outdoors.” explained Brantley, “Some of our favorite things to do are kayaking, hiking, and camping.”
Together, the Brantley’s have kayaked rivers, lakes, and salt water all over the southeast. They’ve hiked mountains, canyons, and everything in between and have camped on mountain tops and valley streams.
“An afternoon side-by-side ride with family is one of my favorite things to do close to home and we go as often as possible.” She shared, “I also enjoy helping Madison and Noah practice to compete in team sports like archery, modified trap shooting for 4-H, soccer, and tennis.”
Kristie also anticipates her and Dustin’s 19th Wedding Anniversary that they will be celebrating on July 31. Congratulations to you both!
Now that you’ve met the teacher and read her story, read her Q/A’s below to further understand Kristie Brantley’s incredible values of teaching and how she’s changing and inspiring young lives in our community through her service of Teaching at SPS. Interview conducted by Brittany Hall.
What have you found most rewarding in your career?
Brantley: Assisting others is the most fulfilling aspect of my job. Whether it’s a student, a parent, or a colleague. Helping someone overcome a challenge, or finding a solution to a problem is something I love to do. I strive to ensure that everyone has what they need to be successful. I aim to make a difference in someone’s life every day.
Do you feel that each of your students have left a lasting impression on you?
Brantley: Every single one of my students have left an impression in my life. Each year I learn something new working with them, and I am able to improve my teaching style because of them. Teaching is about growing. Learning something new, improving yourself, and enriching the lives of others in my mind is the embodiment of teaching.
What advice would you like to give to new or upcoming educators?
Brantley: Find you a “bestie” and lean on them. Ask questions, network, and develop relationships and learn from others. Everyone has a strength, something they “bring to the table”. Find the people who lift you up and lean on them.
How does it make you feel to see the success that many of your previous students have become?
Brantley: Proud and so very excited for them! I love seeing my students grow and become successful.
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?
Brantley: Be proud of who you are! Your past doesn’t define you. Only you can choose the person you will be in the future. Learn from your mistakes but never let them determine who you become.
What’s a favorite memory or some of your favorite memories that you have from your time as an educator?
Brantley: If you ask just about any teacher about their favorite moments they’ll respond with some standout moment where a child has a revelation, a spark if you will, that lets them know that they’ve made it through a mental barrier. That all of a sudden they understand something that has been so tough for them to grasp. Those are the memories that I cherish most and there have been so many moments through my career that I hold dear that it’s hard to name just a few. Those little smiles and raised eyebrows of acknowledgement in those moments make every day meaningful.
Kristie Brantley was nominated by the Emanuel County Board of Education as February’s phenomenal local teacher for Durden Banking Company’s monthly Teacher Spotlight column. Once a month, a teacher is selected by the Board of Education to celebrate the inspiration that they are to the youth of our community.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires” – William A. Ward
