Rebecca White – Warner Robins High School

Rebecca White is the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year for Warner Robins High School. White is a 2007 Warner Robins High School graduate. After graduation she attended Eastern Kentucky University where she played basketball and earned her bachelor’s degree. She began her teaching career as a paraprofessional at Huntington Middle School in 2012, taught in the Bibb County school system for one year and now has been at Warner Robins High School for three years. White said she lives to make her parents proud. She has a four year-old daughter and her sister is the assistant principal at Mossy Creek Middle School. She also coaches basketball, softball and track at Warner Robins High School. 

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“When I graduated college I didn’t really know how to say thank you. Someone had asked one time, how do you repay someone who invested their time in you. It wasn’t until I worked at Huntington Middle that I realized and it got me to thinking that I needed to pay it forward of what was given to me. Now I live for the students’ smiles and to see them walk across that stage receiving their diplomas.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“There were a lot of my teachers who inspired me. I attended Russell Elementary, Rumble Middle School, and Warner Robins High School. I had so many great teachers and coaches who taught me to work hard. My father also really instilled in me to work every day, don’t take off and fight through things to achieve success.”

What do you like most about teaching/What is the best part?

“The thrill of the day. You never know what the kids are going to say and you never know what it holds. You can plan it as much as you want, but when you walk through the door you don’t know what you’re going to get. I also like building relationships with my students, giving high fives, it’s a joy to me. Most of them call me mom. I will do anything for them, but I will also instill discipline. They know I have their back.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“While I do like the thrill of each day not knowing what it holds, some days are more challenging. There are students who are harder to reach academically and socially. But I give my all to support them and help them reach their goals and potential.”

Advice to students

“There is a plan out for each and every student. Not everyone is perfect, so you will go through some obstacles, but keep going. Find that motivation. When things start to bring you down, go back to your roots – parents. They are there for you. Just like a tree, if a hurricane comes through knocking it down, the roots are still there.”

Advice to Parents

“Motivate your kids. Push them to continue. I know at home you can catch their frustrations, but they need your support. We, teachers, need it. It truly does take a village to raise a child and we’re in this together. We want to see them walk across that stage and get that diploma.”