Lindsay Gentry – Mossy Creek Middle School

Lindsay Gentry is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Mossy Creek Middle School. 

Gentry was born in Albany, Georgia and raised in Vienna, Georgia. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix, her master’s degree from Piedmont College and is currently working on her specialist’s degree at Piedmont. Gentry landed her first teaching job at Perdue Elementary School and after two years, took a job at Mossy Creek Middle.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“When I first started college I was majoring in criminal justice because I wanted to work at the GBI (Georgia Bureau Investigation). Then I met this guy, who is now my husband. When we were dating and getting to know each other’s families, his family came from a long line of educators. They really inspired me. Before I got my bachelor’s degree, I was a substitute teacher for six years, and that’s where I really fell in love with teaching.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“Not only did my husband’s family inspire me, but there were a couple of teachers that I had that really stood out. I really wasn’t the best student while in school, but my teachers, like Mrs. Ingram, Mrs. Jeter and Mrs. Braxton all pulled me along and really encouraged me.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“I really enjoy building relationships with the kids. I love getting to know them and going to their ball games, concerts, etc. In my opinion, I feel you can’t teach a student anything until you have made that connection and built that relationship.”

What is the most

challenging part of teaching?

“Not having enough time and all the paperwork. I don’t want to put a negative vibe on anything, but I would say those two things can be challenging.”

Advice to students

“My uncle was the principal at my school and his number one rule was always do right, to me that applies to every aspect in your life. Just do your best, try your hardest, and do right.”

Advice to parents

“Play an active role in your child’s education. Be there, and know what’s going on. Talk to them and have a relationship with their teacher because we are all in this together and are invested in their education.”