Hilltop teacher is drawn to serve

Our featured educator this week hails from the Sunshine State. She was born in Tallahassee, Fla., and raised in Chattahoochee, Fla., right below the Georgia-Florida state line. She has 15 years experience in the classroom, the last five at Hilltop Elementary where she teaches physical education to enthusiastic kindergarten students. She is quick to praise Debbie Burgess, her paraprofessional, for helping her keep the students focused. She has also taught at Parkwood Elementary and Toombs Central Elementary. She attended Pensacola Junior College, has a bachelor’s degree from Brewton Parker College and a master’s degree from Troy State University.

Why teaching?: I love having the opportunity to make a positive impact on students’ lives. Serving as a P.E. coach allows me to teach every student the importance of being a life-long learner. I encourage my students to lead a healthy lifestyle, as well as inspire them to exercise their body and mind.

What brought you into the field?: Sports helped motivate me to keep my grades up in school as well as to continue my education at the college level. I loved playing sports. I enjoyed the teamwork aspect of learning. I wanted to give back the same feeling of belonging and self-worth to the future leaders of our country…HES students.

Any inspiration from past teachers?: My high school P.E. teacher and volleyball/softball coach Susan Thompson-Touchton was an inspiration to me. She believed in me and taught me to never give up when things get hard.

Best part of teaching: I am able to use sports as an avenue to provide teachable moments that will serve my students well beyond their time in my classroom. I teach them how to handle conflict and adversity in a positive way. I want them to see tough moments as opportunities to learn life skills and gain maturity. It is often stated in my classroom that you can’t always control the things that happen in life, but you are in total control of how you react to those things.

What is it about teaching that you like the most?: I get to interact and potentially impact every student in the school. It does not matter whether a student is athletic, whether they struggle to make good grades or whether they have major behavior problems. I have the opportunity to impact their life just through loving them. When students feel loved, it is easier to create an environment of mutual respect. I want my students to respect me, but in return, I want them to know they are highly regarded and respected too.

Most challenging part of teaching: The most challenging part is time restraints. I am limited on the amount of time I see students, but I make every moment count.

Anything that makes your job difficult?: I am blessed to serve all students at Hilltop Elementary. However, it is difficult for me because I don’t teach or work with the same students daily. I make impactful moments when I can.

If not teaching, what?: I am drawn to serve. Therefore, I would have to select a career field of service. If not a teacher, I would be a nurse. To put it simply, I love helping others.

Advice to students: In life you never know who is watching your actions, but if you stay positive, treat others kindly, work hard, and never give up, your actions will always speak louder than your words.

Advice to parents: Enjoy spending quality time with your kids. Tell them daily: I love you, I’m proud of you, I believe in you, you are special, I trust you, and encourage them to never give up. Ask your child how can you help them, what are their fears, what are their dreams and goals in life? Most important parents, be a good role model for your kids.

Home life: I have been married to my loving husband of 15 years, Chris Harrelson, a teacher and coach at Houston County High. We have two children: Gage Harrelson 12, and Jacy Harrelson 10. Both are very active in sports. We also have a cat, Lucky. I am a member of Southside Baptist Church in Warner Robins. My hobby is traveling around to ball fields.

HHJ News