For the first time in the school’s history, Flomaton Elementary School has named a Teacher of the Year. The honor of receiving the award went to Heather Caraway on Feb. 6 in a presentation at the school.
Principal George Brown, Superintendent John Knott, School Board Representative Cindy Jackson, Sandra Reid, teachers, staff and students gathered to surprise Caraway with flowers, plaques, and a gift basket filled with all manner of prizes. Caraway was indeed surprised.
“When Coach Vickery said that I was needed in the principal’s office, that’s usually thought to be a bad thing,” Caraway said. “I wasn’t expecting this!”
Caraway who began teaching at Flomaton Elementary School in 2014 currently teaches the third grade. Her students were on site to rush into the office and hug Caraway to help her celebrate the honor.
“You’re the best!” was heard from most of the third graders as they vied for Caraway’s attention.
Brown, who first stated that he wanted to bring the Teacher of the Year honor to FES at the beginning of the 2018 school year, designed a system for selecting the recipient.
Each teacher in the school received a nomination form to put forth who they considered to be the most deserving. The desired winner needed to exemplify excellence in several areas such as the ability to instill in students a desire to learn and achieve and understand the individual needs of students and encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem. The recipient also should be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share effectively with students. Additionally the nominee should foster cooperative relationships with their colleagues and the community through volunteering in school projects or clubs and demonstrate outstanding leadership while maintaining their teaching position throughout the 2018-2019 school year.
According to Brown, Caraway exemplified all of these qualities.
“I couldn’t agree more with the results,” he said. “Her lessons are creative and her students have fun while learning.”
Although Brown did not vote in the contest, he was pleased with the outcome.
“Outside of school she’s caring and generous,” he continued. “She’s always willing to help with her peers and helps out with any of our school activities.”
Caraway, who makes the journey to FES every morning from McCullough, was shocked by the award.
“I’m overwhelmed!” she said. “I humbled, but honestly, any teacher here at FES could have received this because we have great teachers.”
This thought was echoed by several members of the community including third grade parent, Jessica White.
“That would be an awesome achievement at a normal school with average teachers,” she stated. “But at Flomaton, I haven’t dealt with a teacher yet that wasn’t simply amazing! Definitely well deserved; I always hear about Ms. Caraway’s science lessons from Noah.”
A plaque with Caraway’s picture and name engraved in gold will reside in the school office for the duration of the year.
Sponsors that chose to help and show their support included Tri-City Florist, The Sandwich Deli of Century, Eloise’s Beauty Salon & Spa, Nails by Audrey of Century, American Coffee House, Willard’s Restaurant, Flomaton Elementary School PTO, Gather of Atmore, Southern Gyp Boutique of Bay Minette, Philanthropic Seed of Atmore, The Classy Cardinal, Sweetie Belle Boutique, Sweet Sugarbelle Bakery and Subway.
