DEL.ICIO.USThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/29/07
One of six teachers will go to the head of the class this week to become Gwinnett County's 2007-08 Teacher of the Year.
The finalists have more than 100 years' teaching experience combined. What makes them good teachers varies as much as the grades and subjects they teach. Some use humor. Other times they rely on current events. A few share stories about their lives to illustrate a point. But they all project an enthusiasm about teaching and affecting the lives of students.
 Kimberly Smith/AJC | ||
| Front Row, Left to Right: Martha Brick, Mitzi Ethridge, Doug Callahan. Back Row, Left to Right: Joey Nunn, Greg Field, Mandy Collins | ||
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The winner will be announced Thursday.
The finalists are:
• Martha Brick, an eighth-grade math and science teacher at Five Forks Middle, who also teaches martial arts and self-defense classes.
• Doug Callahan, a seventh-grade math teacher at Glenn C. Jones Middle, who also is co-president of the Georgia chapter of a nonprofit focused on a chronic heart disease that affects some children.
• Mandy Collins, a gifted-education teacher at McKendree Elementary, who volunteers with Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful.
• Mitzi Ethridge, a gifted-education teacher at Margaret Winn Holt Elementary, who created a program to teach compassion and critical thinking skills.
• Greg Field, an Advanced Placement calculus teacher at Grayson High, who started his teaching career in Kenya.
• Joey Nunn, an eighth-grade science teacher at Frank N. Osborne Middle, who volunteers at the Georgia Aquarium.
The six were selected from 105 who were named the top teachers at their individual schools.
A committee of teachers and administrators interviewed and observed each finalist in the classroom. They judged the finalists on talent and originality.
The judges will select an elementary and middle school winner. Field automatically becomes the high school winner because he is the only finalist from that level.
One of the three school-level winners will be named the county's top teacher.
The overall winner will receive $1,000 a year for as long as he or she works for the district. The winner will also represent the district in the competition for the state's top teacher.
The two other teachers named winners at their school levels will receive $750 a year. The remaining three finalists will receive one-time awards of $500.
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MARTHA BRICK
Five Forks Middle
Eighth-grade math and science
Age: 42.
Years teaching: 20.
Pets: Sgt. Tibbs, a cat. Three dogs, Sheila, an Australian shepherd; Sunny, a German shepherd-husky mix; and Mattie, a chow mix.
Q: What would your students be most surprised to know about you?
A: That I was a Ninja Turtle in a past life. They already know that I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!
Q: What kind of student were you in school?
A: For the most part, I made good grades. I was always inquisitive, energetic and involved in many extracurricular activities.
Q: Who was your least favorite teacher in school?
A: My least favorite teacher in school was any teacher who did not engage us in interesting activities and discussions.
Q: In the spirit of the TV show "Heroes," if you could have any super power, what would you pick?
A: I would want to have the power to see into the future. Not just a few years, but millions and billions of years. I want to see how this planet changes physically and to see how life evolves and changes.
Q: Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be ...
A: Bored. Teaching is the most challenging, exciting and rewarding career there is!
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MANDY COLLINS
McKendree Elementary
K-5, gifted
Age: 40-something.
Years teaching: 21.
Pets: Roxie, a mutt.
Q: What would your students be most surprised to know about you?
A: I dream about them. I actually say their names aloud in my sleep. I recently dreamt that we discovered a secret cavern under the school.
Q: What kind of student were you in school?
A: I was a shy, yet imaginative child.
Q: Who was your least favorite teacher in school?
A: I always look at the glass half full so I can only share who my favorite teacher was. Her name was Miss Betty Thomas ... she taught all of us to LOVE learning. I reflect on her magic daily as I spark that quest for knowledge.
Q: In the spirit of the TV show "Heroes," if you could have any super power, what would you pick?
A: All super powers have an Achilles' heel, so I am going to stick with the super power of teaching. It is the only profession where you can directly touch the future and sow seeds for a lifetime of happiness.
Q: Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be...
A: A stay-at-home mom: the toughest job on the planet.
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MITZI ETHRIDGE
Margaret Winn Holt Elementary
K-5, gifted
Age: 44.
Years teaching: 21.
Pets: Three cats, Bandit, Smokey and Patches.
Q: What would your students be most surprised to know about you?
A: I think I'll just keep them guessing. Curiosity is a good thing.
Q: What kind of student were you in school?
A: I was a good student, made good grades — shy and quiet, a peacemaker between friends. Typical middle child.
Q: Who was your least favorite teacher in school?
A: I had an elementary teacher who said I'd never "get" a certain math concept. ... I'll never forget how inadequate that made me feel. Words are powerful and can leave a lasting impression. I try to use my words carefully — especially when helping a child.
Q: In the spirit of the TV show "Heroes," if you could have any super power, what would you pick?
A: It really isn't a super power, but if I could have a gift I do not already possess, I would like to be a musician.
Q: Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be...
A: A writer living in a small town near a university. A place where people would slow down, gather to share their stories and connect with each other.
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GREG FIELD
Grayson High
Advanced Placement calculus
Age: 42.
Years teaching: 18.
Pets: Two cats, Tuxedo and Milia.
Q: What would your students be most surprised to know about you?
A: I'm active in community theater.
Q: What kind of student were you in school?
A: I was one of the typical "nerds."
Q: Who was your least favorite teacher in school?
A: It is kind of ironic, but it was my calculus teacher. He spoke in a very monotone voice, was not very exciting and only a few years away from retirement.
Q: In the spirit of the TV show "Heroes," if you could have any super power, what would you pick?
A: I'd make myself invisible.
Q: Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be ...
A: Back in Kenya. (Field started his teaching career in Kenya.) Maybe not in the village I lived in for four years, but I think I'd be over there helping out the Kenyans somehow.
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DOUG CALLAHAN
Glenn C. Jones Middle
Seventh-grade math
Age: 32.
Years teaching: 12.
Pets: None.
Q: What would your students be most surprised to know about you?
A: I enjoy woodworking and have a small workshop in my basement. I have recently started to make a series of children's toys from scratch.
Q: What kind of student were you in school?
A: I was a fairly conscientious student and usually did well. Studying was never one of my favorite pastimes, and I wish that I had learned better study skills at a younger age.
Q: Who was your least favorite teacher in school?
A: My least favorite style of teaching was those teachers that used the same overhead transparencies year after year, to the point where the pages would begin to yellow with age.
Q: In the spirit of the TV show "Heroes," if you could have any super power, what would you pick?
A: One power that would be fascinating would be the power to travel to any time or place instantly. I would love to see new places without taking the time to get there and back. I would also love to see places around the world in various historical contexts as well.
Q: Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be ...
A: Lost! Teaching is a calling, and I'm proud to be part of the profession.
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JOEY NUNN
Frank Osborne Middle
Eighth-grade science
Age: 41.
Years teaching: 12, including nine at a community college.
Pets: A stray cat that visits my classroom trailer during the evenings.
Q: What would your students be surprised most to learn about you?
A: I collect pictures of myself with famous people. ... I have had pictures made with over 200 movie stars, singers, authors, sports stars and politicians.
Q: What kind of student were you in school?
A: I was a good student, and I was quite a class "clown" and enjoyed entertaining others. This has played a role in how I teach and illustrate material to students.
Q: Who was your least favorite teacher in school?
A: I had a fifth-grade teacher who would paddle students for any classroom violation. ... Those negative experiences ... shaped me to be a better teacher and person, in that it made me more of a compassionate teacher and not quick to prejudge.
Q: In the spirit of the TV show "Heroes," if you could have any super power, what would you pick?
A: I like the character Monica on the show. She is always willing to give everything up to help those around her. Her ability to replicate any physical motion she sees is very different from the other characters.
Q: Finish this sentence: If I wasn't a teacher, I'd be...
A: A nurse. Nursing is an extremely important and vital profession in our society that is undervalued.
