Love, respect and persistence drive Lake Park Elementary teacher Tiffany Pafford

ALBANY — Tiffany Pafford, a fifth-grade reading teacher at Lake Park Elementary School, says a “short, unorganized, high-pitched, glasses-on-the-end-of-her-nose teacher” inspired her to become an educator.

Her name was Mrs. Cook.

“Mrs. Cook is always the first influence that comes to mind when someone asks me why I chose to become an educator,” Pafford, a finalist for Dougherty County’s 2015-16 Teacher of the Year, said. “She realized there was more to me than my tattered clothes, uneven home-given hairdo, and socially awkward self. My parents cared about educators, but since neither had a high school education, they were not exactly sure how to help me.

“Mrs. Cook showed me that just because I did not have the ‘best’ things, it should not hold me back from having what I needed and wanted more than anything — an education. She allowed me a chance to have an educational experience, not just attend school.”

Pafford added that others also were factors in her decision to become a teacher.

“My husband and eldest son, many years later, were my next inspirations,” she said. “I married at 18 and began college a year later. Working full time to help pay bills that my young marriage had created made going to school long and drawn out. Six years later, I earned an associate’s degree and had my eldest son.

“I knew that one day this little person would look up to me and expect me to do my best for him. I wanted him to see the importance of an education and how it can be earned no matter the circumstances. My husband continued to encourage me to go to school, even when I felt like quitting because I wanted to spend the evenings with him and my son.”

Pafford said the three major things she learned from Mrs. Cook, her husband and son were love, respect and persistence. She then added a fourth — enthusiasm.

“Enthusiasm for education is a huge deal for me. I am often referred to as a person with a ‘perky’ attitude,” she said. “Keeping an upbeat pace during the day keeps my students motivated and involved. I am passionate about my students and their education and it shows.”

Pafford holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Albany State University.

Dougherty County’s 2015-16 Teacher of the Year will be announced Thursday evening at a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn.