Published November 2, 2006
Teacher of the year named
Carrie Stephens known for being leader, supporting all students

By Christie Pool
At last week's ceremony honoring each school's nominee, Carrie Stephens was named the county's Teacher of the Year.
Stephens was hailed a true leader by her peers, and her principal, Dr. Chris LeMieux, said she always strives to teach all students, not just high achievers.
Stephens has taught for 10 years at Pickens County Middle School where she now teaches sixth-grade math. She received her undergraduate degree in marketing from Kennesaw State and her teaching certificate from Brenau University. She is working on her Masters Degree in Education.
"Carrie is a team player. She is caring and compassionate. She has quiet confidence, is modest and well-organized," LeMieux said. "She is a product of the Pickens County School system, and she is very dedicated to that system now."
Reading from statements submitted by her co-workers, LeMieux said, "This is what some of her peers said about her: 'She is always about the kids. She's bomb-proof. She takes care of business. I would always pick Carrie to be first on my team no matter what the game. She is a true leader'."
Perhaps the best gauge of a teacher is how she is perceived by those she teaches. If that's the case, Stephens is a model for all teachers. LeMieux said many of her students, when queried, said Stephens was "fun but can snap back into seriousness if need be," and they knew they could always get individualized attention in her class.
Stephens has said she wants to inspire teachers to believe in their students and in their learning, and she truly believes that education is the greatest treasure that we have to give our youth.
Each county school selects a teacher of the year from among their staffers. Those teachers are then interviewed by a committee who selects one to compete in a state-wide competition. Superintendent Mike Ballew said he is confident Stephens will represent Pickens County well.
Stephens faced stiff competition from her fellow teachers including: Scott Trevathan from Pickens High School, Tammy Duncan from Jasper Middle, Diane Hicks from Hill City Elementary, Belinda Howard from Harmony Elementary, Matthew Gibson from Jasper Elementary and Tate Elementary's Susan Johnson.
At the ceremony, Harmony Elementary School Principal Sherry Mullins introduced Howard, whom she credited with inspiring her to go back to school. Mullins served as Howard's paraprofessional for some time and said Howard helped her "all the way" when she decided to go back to school.
"Belinda became a teacher after she volunteered in her daughter's first grade class and decided that's what she loves," Mullins said. "Belinda believes there are two types of teachers: those who have been taught how to teach at college and those who truly enjoy it because of their love of children. Only the true teachers really enjoy it. She believes that teachers make children's future and whatever it takes, she does it."
In introducing his school's teacher of the year, Hill City Elementary Principal Dr. Carlton Wilson said she embodies the ideal teacher.
Diane Hicks has been a special education teacher for 20 years and has been at Hill City Elementary since it opened five years ago. Dr. Wilson said Hicks shows a true talent in helping those with special needs.
"Every once in a while a teacher comes along who not only teaches but who also touches the heart and soul of a school, and Ms. Diane does that," Wilson said.
Jasper Elementary School selected Matthew Gibson as its teacher of the year for 2006-07, and his principal, Dr. Nonnie Weeks, hailed him as a treasure for all who enter his classroom.
"Matthew's willingness to help students, always with a positive attitude, is an inspiration," Weeks said. "He always welcomes students with a smile. Matthew's class this year is 49 percent Hispanic and 51 percent at-risk, but because of Matthew, none of his students are aware of any hindrance."
Gibson has spent all 14 years of his education career at Jasper Elementary as a classroom teacher and as assistant principal. He currently teaches first grade.
Tate Elementary School's teacher of the year comes from a long line of educators, and she started her career early by teaching her dolls how to read and do math.
Second grade teacher Susan Johnson has a strong commitment to teaching students both the school curriculum and about life itself.
"She teaches her students how to set goals and reach them, and she believes teaching the whole child is essential," said Principal Debbie Longshore. "She notices the little things that affect children."
A former student wrote, "Ms. Johnson loves every kid she gets."
Johnson has taught second graders at Tate Elementary for 17 of her 24 years in education.
Jasper Middle School's teacher of the year, Tammy Duncan, was recognized as giving her students a structured, yet inspired, classroom in which to learn.
Duncan, who is now in her ninth year of teaching, is a sixth-grade teacher. She received her undergraduate degree from Brenau University and her Master's degree from Piedmont College.
JMS Principal Steve McDaniel said she always leaves her students feeling inspired. "She has a classroom that is structured but never rigid," he said.
Co-workers said she works hard to see that each child achieves success in her classroom.
At Pickens High School, veteran math teacher Scott Trevathan was named teacher of the year.
Trevathan has taught high school mathematics for 35 years, the last five at PHS. He previously taught in Tennessee.
"He's in this for the long haul, and he makes sure all his students get what they need," said PHS Principal Tommy Qualls.
During his career, Trevathan has served as department head and principal. He received his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Tennessee Tech.