Science teacher Ashlyn Stringfellow has received the Teacher of the Year award for this school year.
The selection of the Teacher of the Year is a process in which the high school administration team nominates educators from each academic department to be voted for by fellow teachers.
“The administration nominates teachers that we feel go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for students both inside and outside of their classrooms.” assistant principal Kristin Davis said.
This is Stringfellow’s fifth year teaching, and she has much involvement with the school, holding the titles of junior class sponsor, student council sponsor and teacher of chemistry, physics and psychology. In relation sponsoring both organizations, Stringfellow is tasked with managing both the blood drive and prom.
“You hear when you first go into teaching ‘it gets easier.’, but this is the most stressed I’ve felt here.” Stringfellow said. “But when I saw that I’d been nominated, and when I won, I really felt appreciated. It reminded me that it’s worth it.”
Stringfellow is not the first in her family to teach science. Stringfellow’s father and grandfather both taught chemistry and physics, and she considers them to be her greatest inspirations in helping to make the subjects, which are generally regarded as difficult and boring, as easy and fun as possible.
“A lot of kids are in the mindset that science, especially chemistry, is hard. So I do everything I can to help them get over that fear,” Stringfellow said.
An ability to build connections with her students often contributes to creating an environment that allows them to conquer that mindset. With fun experiments, a positive attitude and an overall welcoming demeanor as a testament, Stringfellow’s students, fellow teachers and administration agree that she has said ability.
“I’m always enjoying the class, it’s this really nice, happy atmosphere.” junior Elias Hofmister said.
“I admire her drive,” junior class co-sponsor Marlana Broadhead said. “How much she puts into the classroom, how she goes above and beyond.”
Overall, Stringfellow is admired around the school and continues to make an impact on those around her.
“She’s a really good teacher, and I think it’s very deserved.” Hofmister said.
“The impact of a good teacher goes beyond the classroom. When you foster those relationships, the students work hard for you because they know you care,” Davis said.
Also achieving top honors are custodian Wes Shows, who received Support Staff of the Year, and PTO president Emily Jackson, who received Parent of the Year.
