Fannin County High school teacher Jill Dyer was named Fannin County’s Teacher of the Year (TOTY) at the school system’s annual banquet, September 24, while Ashley Coffinger of Blue Ridge Elementary School was named runner up. Dyer will now represent the county in the state Teacher of the Year competition.
She was selected from a pool of five nominees – a teacher of the year from each of the county’s five schools. Other nominees included Coffinger, Dana Harper with East Fannin Elementary School, Kimberley Brannon with West Fannin Elementary and David Queen with Fannin County Middle School.
Each Board of Education member spoke to the banquet attendees, which included school officials, school staff and past Teachers of the Year.
Chairman Lewis Deweese spoke of “eureka” moments that teachers can create for students. He said, that magic point when the subject clicks, the student has an a-ha or eureka moment, and from that point on the student’s life is changed. “Eureka is what happens when a child’s mind is opened. ... Anyone can learn given the opportunity.
“When a eureka happens, it’s a wonderful thing. A light bulb turns on. ... I still remember some happening to me.”
Board member Mike Cole said he was excited about the future of Fannin County and that he always tries to learn so he can be a better leader and manager. He said, “I was looking at statistics of the 80s for the five largest churches in America. They were riding so high, they had people overflowing ... and today, they don’t even exist. Because they rode this wave up and they never changed and they rode the wave down. As I look across this room ... I believe we have leadership that is moving you guys (teachers) and that gift that you have, he’s (Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney) using it and moving you to a different location to keep us going.
“Because, I believe that we can obtain a 100 percent graduation rate in this school system. So, I’m excited to be a part of this future, and I’m excited about these teachers and whoever gets to go represent us, I’m so proud. And, I know these guys are so proud of you. Let’s just keep riding that wave.”
Superintendent Gwatney summed it up with, “Education is about the future. Seeing our teachers of the year this evening gives me the hope and confidence of the future success of our next generation. As Henry Adams said, ‘a teacher affects eternity’ ... Teaching is the only profession through which all other professions pass.”
He explained the teacher of the year selection for each school is a process of nominations and elections. “What an honor to be recognized as exemplary by your colleagues,” he said. As far as how the County’s Teacher of the Year is selected, he said, “The five school winners were vetted by a team at Pioneer RESA. This included a set of questions that are part of the state teacher of the year application as well as answering questions asked in a recent face-to-face interview ...
“Congratulations to the 2021 Fannin County Teacher of the Year, Fannin County High school’s, Ms. Jill Dyer.”
Dyer received a gift basket, a ring and a monetary reward for her accomplishment. Of her winning, Dyer said, “I’m so blessed. ... I tell my teaching students that is one of the few professions that requires every part of you. Your mind, your body and your soul. There are times when I go home and I’m physically and mentally exhausted. But the part that takes the most out of me is when I give my soul to my students.
“The most important thing I think we can do for our kids is to try to figure out what each one of them needs, and everyone is different. It’s very, very hard sometimes to meet those needs. So, I pray on my way to school every day ... I’m always praying for my kids, but I pray for myself because I need wisdom. I need wisdom to know what these kids need. And, God is the only one that can give wisdom. ... There are going to be those days when the kids break your heart ... but we have to keep trying. ... Pray for all the teachers because we couldn’t do this without His help. ... I’m honored and humbled and I’ll be praying for you, too.”