Parents’ visit with principal changed Nayonda Gibson’s life
Nayonda Gibson among eight candidates for 2016-17 Dougherty County Teacher of the Year
Nayonda Gibson
By Terry Lewis
ALBANY — As a first-grade student, Monroe High School math teacher Nayonda Gibson was not particularly enamored with school, and at one point had earned a reputation as a “truancy child.” Then, her parents stepped in.
“My parents were very involved in my education and their expectations remained high,” Gibson, one of eight finalists for Dougherty County’s 2016-17 Teacher of the year, said. “They instilled in my siblings and I that education would serve as the gateway to personal and professional success. I tried to meet those expectations, not on for my parents, but for myself as well.
“Having parents as a motivational force made this transition a swift one. It was then I realized my true potential rested in education.
Gibson’s actual “aha moment” came after he parents were summoned to the principal’s office for a conversation on her being retained in the first grade.
“At that point, education no longer took a back seat to the unimportant things of my youth,” Gibson said. “From that day forward, education took precedence over most things. I began to adjust to school, but it was not attributed to just one true inspiration until I entered Mrs. Peebles’ class in the third grade. She inspired me to want to learn and made the learning process enjoyable with games and manipulatives.
“It was then my life changed forever.”
She said education is a constant and ongoing process.
“As an educator, I contribute to education each and every day,” Gibson said. “My goals are to inspire, ignite and influence through my teaching.”
Gibson Holds a B.S. Athletic Training and a B.S. in Education from Valdosta State University, a Masters in Curriculum Instruction from Walden University, and an Ed.S in Curriculum instruction from Liberty University.
She has been with the DCSS since 2010.
In addition to Gibson, the seven other Teacher of the Year finalists are: Kaysha Young-Brown, Live Oak Elementary; Alshrentia Cutliff, Merry Acres Middle School; Derrick Greene, Lincoln Elementary Magnet School; Doris Greene, West Town Elementary; Yolanda Jackson, Albany Middle School; Jasmine McPhatter, Alice Coachman Elementary; Lidia Olds, International Studies Elementary Charter School.
Dougherty County’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet Thursday evening at the Hilton Garden Inn.
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