Learning to listen made Wright a better teacher

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sixth of eight profiles of the Dougherty County School System’s 2018 Teacher of the Year finalists.

ALBANY — To William Wright III, a math teacher at Albany Middle School, his classroom is an extension of himself. That’s a big reason he is one of eight finalists for the Dougherty County School System’s 2018 Teacher of the year.

“My classroom is an extension of me, and I design my classroom to ensure that all my students have equal access to me and the content that is being delivered,” Wright said. “Everything in the classroom matters, including the smell the students encounter when upon entering the door, and the language of the posters on the walls. I constantly rearrange seating to ensure that students always get a chance to make a new friend and never become complacent in a classroom setting.

“A great teacher is someone who imparts knowledge with a sense of purpose and passion. I plant seeds of excellence with hopes of a plentiful harvest.”

To Wright, teaching is all about perception and collaboration.

“I learned during my first year of teaching that my voice is not the most important one in the classroom,” Wright said. “I also learned there is a big difference in what I think and say, and what my students hear and perceive. The best tool at a teacher’s discretion is to be able to listen to students’ thoughts about concepts and standards being taught in the classroom.

“As I learned to listen, I was able to hear my students screaming ‘I want to learn!’ through observing a puzzled look on their faces. As I listen, I am able to celebrate when three struggling students show signs of improvement versus always celebrating the 10 who always catch on quickly.”

As he learned to listen, Wright said he also learned he only gets one shot to change a child’s life.

“Everyone in my classroom has a voice,” the TOY finalist said. “Engagement takes on the sound of silence, laughing, yelling, singing, rapping and movement in my classroom, and it creates a perfect formula for student success.”

Wright holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in Education from Albany State University.

The other 2018 TOY finalists are Sequaous Walker, Robert Cross Middle; Carol Boges, West Town Elementary; Kanese Rachel, Lincoln Elementary; Jane Maples, Lake Park Elementary; Timothy Hardwick, Radium Springs Elementary; Dorcus Robinson, Turner Elementary; and Jillian Lockette, Alice Coachman Elementary.

Dougherty County’s 2018 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Merry Acres Events Center.