Meet Candice Lewis:
K. B. Sutton Elementary Teacher of the Year
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We are featuring each school's Teacher of the Year as we near the April Board of Education Teacher of the Year recognitions to be held at 6 p.m. in the BOE Auditorium on Tuesday, April 9.
Meet Candice Lewis! She is the K. B. Sutton Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She teaches fifth grade.
I grew up in Clayton County, Georgia. I graduated from Mount Zion High School in 2003. After high school, I attended Valdosta State University. I have a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education, M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology, Ed. S in Educational Leadership.
What is a funny memory or story you can share from your teaching experience?
One funny memory that I have from teaching is when I taught first grade. Sometimes, I would use peer tutors to help with concepts. About five minutes into the activity the peer tutor came to me and said "Mrs. Lewis, he needs a real teacher!"
How long have you been teaching and what have your teaching assignments been? (Grades and/or subjects taught.) How long have you been a part of Monroe County Schools? Have you taught anywhere else as well?
I have been teaching for twelve years. I have taught in Valdosta City Schools, Bibb County Schools, and Monroe County Schools. I have taught grades 1, 3, 4, & 5. I have been a part of Monroe County Schools for 3 years.
If you could provide one piece of advice to new teachers, what would you tell them?
If I could provide one piece of advice to new teachers it would be to build relationships with your students and be very forgiving. Each student should receive a new start daily!
What does it mean to you to be chosen as teacher of the year for your school?
I am very honored that my colleagues deemed me worthy enough to represent them as TOTY. I do not take this honor lightly, so I will strive to continue to exude excellence in everything that I do in and out of my classroom.
What's your favorite memory involving your teaching?
My favorite memory involving my teaching was when I had 100 percent of my EIP students pass reading on a standardized test. This was a great memory because the students were so proud of themselves. I had one parent tell me that her son had never passed anything before.
What's the most challenging thing about teaching?
The most challenging thing about teaching is worrying about your students when they are not with you. Each year, I form a bond with my students and it breaks my heart when they go though hardships. Over breaks, I oftentimes worry if they will have food, stability, and remain safe.
What's the most rewarding thing about teaching?
The most rewarding thing about teaching is knowing that you are making a difference in someone's life. I love when my old students and their parents reach out to me years later to let me know how they are doing and to thank me for the work that I do.
Why have you chosen to be a teacher?
I chose to be a teacher because I wanted to help students who struggled reach their full potential.
Was there a teacher or administrator who influenced your occupation choice?
My 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Bolen influenced me to become a teacher. She was very loving, and cared greatly for her students.
Share about your family and your life outside of school. Hobbies? Interests?
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my husband Michael Lewis and my 5 year old son Landen Lewis. We enjoy eating out, reading, shopping, exercising, and playing board games.
What does the future hold for you in education?
In the future, I can see myself being an instructional coach or doing something in the area of curriculum. I absolutely love teaching, but I feel that I would have the ability to impact more teachers and students outside of the classroom.
Mrs. Lewis is pictured below with KBS Principal Mrs. Becky Brown.
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