Throughout the month of October and November, we will be introducing you to the 2023-2024 Glynn County Teachers of the Year.
Stacey Winter was named Teacher of the Year at Altama Elementary School. She has taught 4th, 5th and 6th grades in Jamaica, as well as 1st grade, 4th grade and Read180 at Altama
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Family: I am the proud mother of two girls. Jennene, 23, is a BHS alumni. She recently graduated from College of Coastal Georgia with a degree in Biology. Mykala, my second daughter, is a recent graduate of BHS and is currently attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she is pursuing a degree in Architecture. I also have family members in Brunswick. My mother Jennifer, sister Marjorie, who is a Special Education teacher at Altama, as well as my brother Gary and my other sister Vivia, who are teachers in Jamaica. I am also very close to my aunt Gloria, who also works for the Glynn County Schools.
Who is your role model? While my mother will always be my main role model, I would like to say that my role model for my career choice was a teacher I had in high school. Her name was Esmie Buck. She had faith in me even when I doubted my abilities. While growing up in Jamaica we were poor and Mrs. Buck would allow me to use her books and other learning resources. She would also tutor me privately in any area of Language Arts she saw lacking.
What book has most influenced you? I have read many great books over the years that have impacted my life, and my teaching career. However, “How To Be An Effective Teacher, The First Days of School," written by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong has been the most influential one for the past six years of teaching.
What is your greatest teaching memory? My greatest teaching memory was from my first year of teaching, 1997 to 1998. At the end of the school year a student wrote me a letter thanking me for teaching him and how I cared for them unconditionally. It is my aim to teach all my students to love themselves and others with the same care.
What is your favorite quote or personal motto? My favorite quote is “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” by J.K. Rowling. My personal motto is “Be satisfied with the best, because only the best is good enough.”
What is a fact about you that most people don't know? I like going fishing with my older brother. I like the tranquility of the waves, and the thrill of the catch.
Any hidden talents or hobbies? I have recently discovered Crossfit. My hidden talent is that I am great at lifting weights, especially deadlifts. The highest weight I have lifted to date is 275 pounds. Another hidden talent I have is writing poems and stories.