Alicia Gresham – Pearl Stephens Elementary

Alicia Gresham is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Pearl Stephens Elementary School. 

Although Gresham was born in Macon, she was raised in the central Florida area. Her family moved to Warner Robins when she was in high school and Gresham graduated from Warner Robins High School in 2003. From there she went on to graduate from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree and Valdosta State University with her master’s degree. Currently, she is pursuing her specialists degree at Valdosta State University. Gresham’s first teaching job was in Macon for two years. She then was married and moved to Athens where she taught another two years. Gresham and her husband later moved back to Warner Robins and now she’s in her fourth year teaching at Pearl Stephens Elementary.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“I come from a family of educators. When I was young I use to always go to my aunt’s school-she’s teacher here in Houston County. I use to visit and fall in love with helping her set up her classroom and grade papers. I would go home and pretend I would have my own classroom with my brother and sister being my students. My family built that love of education in me at an early age and I knew I always wanted to continue to go into teaching.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“Well like I said, my aunt really was my inspiration. Seeing her love for education and teaching really inspired me. Her name is Rosina Brown and she teaches at Bonaire Elementary. She taught me that teaching is a journey and can take you to many different places in life.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“I love the relationships that I build with the students. Just getting to know them like what makes them laugh, their quirks, how they learn academically and behaviorally. I just love that relationship[s] we build because they are long lasting. You know they will remember how you treat them in the end. I also love seeing their light bulbs go off when they understand the concept after struggling with it. Knowing [it is] because of my help, and them working hard to understand the concept is a great feeling.”

What is the most

challenging part of teaching?

“I know most people say not having enough time, but in my opinion, that comes with the job. For me what’s most challenging is the standardized state testing. It is so stressful for the kids. Especially third grade because it’s their first time really taking a major test. I have to make sure that they don’t get stressed out

Advice to students

“I always tell my students, when it comes to behavior, tomorrows a new day. Whatever you did today such as maybe not having walked in the hallway correctly- well tomorrow you have another shot at it. Academically, always set goals for yourselves and never stop trying to reach those goals. Try your very best at every task that you are given and never give up. You are somebody and you are worth it. I am your champion and [I’m] here for you.”

Advice to parents

“We are a team and support each other. We as teachers are here to do what’s best for your child. Coming up with strategies together by telling me what you’re seeing at home and [then] I’ll share what I’m seeing at school. Communication is key. Knowing they have that support from family and their teachers is a great thing.”