Erica Fleming- Thomson Middle School

Erica Fleming is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for Thomson Middle School. Fleming was born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia and when she was 12 years old, her family moved to Macon, Georgia. After graduating high school, she went on to pursue her education degree and graduated from Georgia College and State University. Fleming is now in her 22nd year of her teaching career. She started teaching at W.T. Morgan Elementary in Macon and was there for five years. From there, she moved to Skyview Elementary, where she helped build the foundation of the school. Fleming then felt led to move up to teaching middle school students. Her first middle school was at Ballard Hudson and then six years ago she was hired on at Thomson Middle in Centerville, Georgia.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“I have always had a desire to be a teacher. I am the oldest granddaughter on my mother’s side. So, the memories I have are playing school with my cousins. I was always the teacher, they were the students, and my grandparents were the principals. I knew for sure I wanted to be a teacher when I was in the fifth grade. I didn’t really know my multiplication facts then, so it was really embarrassing for me, but my math teacher, Ms. Glass truly made an impact on me. She made learning fun and would turn our lessons into games and that kept me motivated. So at that point, I wanted to become a math teacher and impact students the way she did with me.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“Like I stated earlier, Ms. Glass made a huge impact on me as well as became my inspiration. When I moved to Georgia, another math teacher of mine, Ms. Collins, made an impact as well. I had really great teachers all throughout my school journey. Each one was very supportive and helped me be the best I could be.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“I enjoy the smiling faces of the students every day. It is not odd at all for you to come to my door first thing in the morning and see about six to seven students just talking with me. I teach seventh grade but most who come to talk to me are my former students who are now in eighth grade. I want students to understand that I am here for them. I tell them when they cross my door, I am their school parent, but at the same time, if you do something wrong, I’m going to tell you and there will be consequences. I have high expectations for them and I expect the best from them and of them.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“In teaching today, the most challenging part is all of the different types of programs and strategies that are continuously coming out. Trying to get others to understand that our way of thinking has to change because our students are changing. With all of these new ideas and strategies and programs, it’s kind of hard to get everyone on board and implement them, but we have to remember, it’s to help the students. So we have to change our mindsets.”

Advice to students

“I want them to always be the best that they can be. That’s the best person, best in academics, best in sports; just be the best and give it their all. I want them to see learning is a lifelong learning experience. It’s not something that just stops from one year to the next. It’s a continuous process even in adulthood. Don’t stop, keep striving.”

Advice to parents

“Always be supportive of your students. At the same time, be supportive of the school. Keep in contact with their teachers and check in behind your student. Know their work and be abreast of what’s going on in their school life.”