Tina Everett – Northside Elementary School

Tina Everett is the Teacher of the Year for Northside Elementary School. Everett is a native of Jeffersonville, Georgia, but has now resided in Houston County for 18 years. She attended Georgia College and State University and earned a degree in psychology. Later on she pursued her early childhood education masters degree and certification at Fort Valley State University. Everett’s first teaching job was at Jeffersonville Elementary she then was hired on to Parkwood Elementary School in Houston County and then was transferred to Northside Elementary, where she has been for the last 16 years. Recently she and her husband, Otha, celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Together they have two sons Keenen Matthew, a junior at Houston County High School and Keshawn Lenard, a senior at Houston County High School. Her husband is the pastor of Greater Union Baptist Church in Perry and is also a professor at Fort Valley State University.

Why teaching?/What brought you into this field?

“At first in high school I thought I wanted to be a child psychologist. I always wanted to work with children and wanted to figure out what made them work. But as I was working in family resource and going into homes seeing some of the needs, I then was presented an opportunity to teach. I immediately felt my calling. I felt like the classroom was where I need to be. This was what I was meant to do, educate and empower our future. So I went back to school and got my masters degree. Sometimes I have days I question if I made the right move, but we all do that to a degree with our careers. But when you see the light bulbs going off and you can see instilling in someone else the level of learning, it makes you feel good and confirms your purpose. You know for students who used to say they hate reading or used to say they hate math, but now say they love it. It truly warms my heart.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“My first teachers, my parents, Nick and Helen Rouse. I am the youngest of seven and there’s a big age gap between the youngest and oldest. My older sisters were teachers as well. But watching my parents and seeing their passion and desire for us to be successful was inspiring. My dad didn’t have that formal education, but he pushed us to want it and desire it. When I was in junior high my mom went back to school and just watching her have that passion and love for it made me want to be successful and take advantage of my education. Plus they have recently celebrated 62 years of marriage. Anything I know I got it from them. As far as I think my love of teachers came from my third grade, fourth and eighth grade teachers. They were instrumental in helping shape who I am today. They showed love to their students and appreciation for learning. I reflect on them all the time. I’m also truly inspired by all of my coworkers and the administration. We come together to do what we need to do. Northside is the best side. We serve our students and community in the best way and I am inspired by all of the commitment that is made here.”

What do you like most about teaching?/What is the best part?

“Like I said, the moments when you can see that you made a difference. Sometimes as teachers we do question the things that we do and is it making a difference. When you can see those moments it gets you back on track. One of my former students, Jamila Chambers is graduating from Valdosta State University on May 5. She came back to my class this year and read and encouraged my students. When you see the fruits of your labor coming back it’s a true joy to see. Another student of mine, Jayda Smith, is a pre-k paraprofessional down the hall from me. Those were two of my first students here. Seeing them and seeing the success they are breeding now and sharing that I put something in them that gave them a desire to do more is so special to me.”

What is the most challenging part of teaching?

“When you feel like you can not reach all of your students. It’s trying to find tools, resources and strategies to reach everybody and not leave any of them behind.”

Advice to students

“I challenge students to pursue what they love, and always try each day to make your self better. Make this day better than the day before. Find a way to encourage someone else and it will help encourage you. Even on those down days if you can find a way to show love and appreciation to someone else then your heart will get less heavy and you will make it through.”

Advice to parents

“Be an example. If you want to see your child reading, you read. If you want your child to show love and compassion towards others, then you be that example to show. I feel as parents you’re the first teacher and whom they watch the most. Your children want to be like you. Show that example and the results will come.”