Each year, Emanuel County School faculties have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the accomplished teachers in our schools by selecting their school’s Teacher of the Year. During the district convocation to kick off the new school year, ECS recognized the 2024 Teachers of the Year for all schools in Emanuel County.
The teachers recognized were Luci McNeely, an art teacher at Swainsboro High School; Sonya Rountree, a kindergarten teacher at Twin City Elementary School; Megan Simmons, a math teacher at Emanuel County Institute; Amber Street, a math teacher at Swainsboro Elementary School; Cassie Way, a Special Education teacher at Swainsboro Primary School; and Kristy Wimberly, the Career Connections teacher at Swainsboro Middle School. This year, our judges selected Luci McNeely to represent us as Emanuel County Teacher of the Year. Luci McNeely, Swainsboro High School and Emanuel County Teacher of The Year, not only teaches our children but also touches their hearts. Each of these teachers communicates the importance of learning, loving, and leading their students. Meet Ms. McNeely and all our teachers of the year by reading some of the information submitted as part of their applications.
Swainsboro High School chose Luci McNeely as their Teacher of the Year
In a letter of support, a former student wrote, “Ms. McNeely is the teacher that will sit down and help a student with a project for another class, help them register for the SAT, assist them with Joshua’s Law so they can get their driver’s license, and even help them apply for college and FASFA. She not only coaches cheer at Swainsboro High, but she is always the biggest cheerleader in the school. She does not have to be asked to attend a sporting event. You can rest assured that she will be at each game, match, or tournament simply out of a desire to support the kids she is around each day. For those who need it, Mrs. McNeely has served as that steady support vital in a teenager’s life. She has provided a home for the homeless, food for those who needed it, and funded apparel for athletes who may not have otherwise been able to enjoy a sport they truly love. She truly is a once-in-a-lifetime educator.”
Twin City Elementary chose Mrs. Sonja Rountree as their Teacher of the Year
When asked as a teacher and student representative what message she would communicate to her profession, Mrs. Rountree stated, “The teaching profession is one of ups and downs, lots of hard work, worry, and overall fatigue, but it is also one of the most fulfilling and humbling adventures one will ever experience. The students that come to my classroom are special. They were sent to me with a purpose, and it is my aspiration to make a personal connection with each of them. In no time at all, they are referred to as “my babies.” The love for each of them grows from there. The joy of educating them begins with loving them.” Quoting Aristotle, she said, ‘“Educating the mind without educating the heart is not education at all.”
Emanuel County Institute chose Megan Simmons as their Teacher of the Year
In a letter of support for Mrs. Simmons, a colleague wrote, “When I think of all the words that describe a model teacher, I immediately think of how Megan Simmons embodies all those traits. She is one of a kind. She is motivated and loyal. She is invested and enthusiastic. Simply being a teacher is only the starting point in her classroom. She is a mentor, a counselor, a nurse, a coach, a leader, and a mother figure to every child that crosses the threshold of her classroom door. If there is a hat to be worn, she has worn it ,and will continue to wear it proudly. She is truly in the profession for all the right reasons. Mr. Simmons accomplishes more than content mastery with her students. She molds the hearts and lives of each individual with her servant mindset day in and day out.
Swainsboro Elementary School selected Ms. Amber Street as their Teacher of the Year
When describing her role in a project that led to the improvement of overall school culture, Ms. Street stated, “Educators are responsible for meeting students where they are and propelling them further. In education, no two students are alike, and the abilities and needs of students can be quite vast. Finding ways to meet the needs of a wide array of learners effectively is a complex puzzle but well worth the effort.” She quoted educational psychologist John F. Feldhusen, who stated, “All students deserve instruction and learning opportunities at a level and pace appropriate for their current development and talents.” Further stating, “One of the most impactful initiates she has ever been involved in centered around this premise.”
Swainsboro Primary School selected Cassie Way as their Teacher of the Year
When asked as a teacher and student representative what message she would communicate to her profession, Mrs. Way stated, “Students are going to match the energy you give them. If a student knows you love them and want what is best for them, then they are going to try and do for you.” She stressed the importance of letting students know your expectations and how things are handled upfront. Mrs. Way went on to stress, “Students need consistency. Students need you to understand them. Students need your patience to know their needs. Students just want to feel loved and protected.”
Swainsboro Middle School selected Kristy Wimberly as their Teacher of the Year
In a letter of support of Mrs. Wimberly, a colleague discussed how Ms. Wimberly has been dedicated to the ideals of portraying herself to her students and her colleagues as a lifelong learner. The colleague discussed how Mrs. Wimberly was always willing to do whatever was necessary to ensure she was well equipped for each new role. This was evident when she transitioned first from special education to regular education and, most recently, to their school’s Career Connections teacher. She further stated, “A huge part of what makes Ms. Wimberly such a successful teacher is her willingness to get to know her students better to understand their specific learning needs and learning styles. In doing this, she is always willing to put in the extra effort and hard work to ensure that her students are challenged and supported in their learning. Her students truly know she wants them to succeed and that she genuinely cares about them and their future.”
As you can see, our school faculties have done an excellent job selecting their school’s Teacher of the Year, and each of them communicates the importance of learning, loving, and leading their students.
