Teresa Tuten – David Perdue Primary

Teresa Tuten is the 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year for David Perdue Primary School. Tuten was born and raised in Waycross, Georgia. After graduating from Ware County High School she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Georgia South Western State University. Tuten then graduated with her master’s degree and reading endorsement from Georgia State University. Her first teaching job was at Pearle Stephens Elementary and taught there for 12 years. Tuten then came to David Perdue Primary. She and her husband have lived in Houston County now for 32 years. Together they have a son, who recently graduated from Kennesaw State University.

Why teaching/What brought you into this field?

“I think I have always had a very nurturing personality. I did a lot of babysitting when I was in middle and high school. It allowed me to work a lot with children and realize that it was something I enjoyed. I thought teaching might be the profession where I can continue to do that and help make a difference in children’s lives.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“I had so many great teachers. My school experience was very positive and I have nothing but good memories. I thought about many of my teachers over the years, and one that seems to have made the most lasting impression was my first grade teacher. First grade was my first time being in real school because there was not a kindergarten grade just yet in the school system. My teacher was very patient and kind. It was the first time for me to be away from home all day. She made me feel safe and set the tone for future experiences.”

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

“There so many things about teaching that are enjoyable. I love that there is never a dull moment. Especially with children this young, you don’t really know what the day is going to bring and they keep you on your toes. This stage is very enjoyable because they are so young and learning things for the first time. They are like sponges, and very excited about learning. It’s very enjoyable to see the pride that they have when they figure something out. And it’s also enjoyable when you work in a place where you have a lot of support from your staff members and administrators.”

What is the most

challenging part of

teaching?

“Trying to manage the different stressors that the job brings. We are tasked with trying to provide instruction that is differentiated throughout the whole day so that we can try to ensure all students show some growth. Other stressors are things like worrying about their home lives, completing assessments and deadlines, student behaviors, and lack of time. Those are all things that contribute to being stressors for teachers and it can be challenging. But like I said earlier whenever you have people around you that support you, this school is more like a family atmosphere. You have those people that will step up and lend you a hand when needed.”

Advice to students

“Be kind and respectful to your peers and teachers. I like the saying, “In a world where you can be anything be kind.” You just really don’t realize how much acts of kindness have a positive effect on everybody. Persevere, there are going to be times when you struggle, but don’t give up believe in yourself and keep trying. Also know that we, your teachers, believe in you as well.”

Advice to parents

“I think I would probably caution parents to limit screen time on phones, tablets, etc. There are studies that show too much screen time can have an adverse effect on language development and vocabulary, and we actually have seen that here. It can also affect relationships with others. They’re not really able to read social cues and facial expressions, so sometimes it’s hard to make friends. Take time to read with your child, and have conversations about their school day. Children can give short answers, but keep trying and may be asking them what did you like best or who did you help today. It promotes more of the conversation and helps support the language development and vocabulary. No one is a bigger advocate for your child than us teachers. We are here to try to make sure they are successful in school. We appreciate all of what the parents do at home to help them succeed in school.”