C.B. Watson teacher is dedicated to her students

A native of Perry, C.B. Watson Primary kindergarten teacher Summer Peavy says her passion for teaching began in high school.

She worked in the front office at Perry Middle School her senior year.

“That’s where I began to develop a love for children,” she said.

Peavy graduated from Georgia Southern University. She earned her master’s degree from Cambridge College in Boston and received her leadership degree from Nova Southeastern University in Miami.

This is her 12th year teaching kindergarten at C.B. Watson Primary School, and during that time, she has never taken a day off.

“I don’t take a day off from work because I feel like my kids need me every, single day,” Peavy said.

Not only is she a 2016-17 Teacher of the Year. She also made the list as one of the top 10 finalists, and this year marks her 10th consecutive year being in the top 3 for C.B. Watson Primary.

Why teaching?

“I love children, and I love making a difference in their lives. I was also a lifeguard when I was in high school. Working with children then got me excited about helping kids. I love teaching kindergarten.”

What brought you into the field?

“Wanting to make a difference in children’s lives. Kindergarten is the foundation layer of a child’s learning. That’s why I’m so passionate about kindergarten, because I feel like I’m so honored to lay that foundation.”

Any inspiration from past teachers?

“I would have to say Ms. Griggs from Tucker Elementary. She was awesome. She is now retired. She was such a hands-on teacher and so passionate about teaching. She loved us all and treated us all equal. I just really loved her.”

Best part of teaching?

“Watching a child learn something for the first time. Especially, in kindergarten, we work so hard and so long just on letters and letter sounds. When they first know that’s a letter ‘a’ or that’s a letter ‘b,’ they’re so happy and we’re so happy.”

What is it about teaching that you like the most?

“Working with the children on a day-to-day basis and working with my fellow teachers, helping them come up with strategies to help their students, and helping parents figure out ways to help their child at home as well.”

Most challenging part of teaching?

“Trying to differentiate the learning to meet every child’s need, because every child learns in a different way. So, you have to really think about what will work best for this child, and that might not work best for the other child.”

Anything that makes your job difficult?

“No, it’s all a learning process, especially for parents. Most of my parents are first time parents of kids in school, so it’s like having to teach them ways to help them teach their kids at home and help support their child’s education.”

If not teaching, what?

“I actually designed a restaurant that’s in Columbia, Missouri. It’s called Cheerleader Pub and Grill. I did all of the interior design and the menu. My husband and I know a guy out there. He owns Hilton Hotels and came up with this restaurant franchise. I designed the whole thing. But, I really love teaching, especially kindergarten. I’m pretty set to go.”

Advice to students:

“Always do your best and don’t let anything get you down. Keep moving forward and always have a goal that you want to reach and just go for it.”

Advice to parents:

“Always listen to the teacher and hear what they have to say first. Be open-minded to what they will try to tell you in ways to deal with your child. Know that the teacher is always there to help the child succeed also.”

Home life:

“My husband is Jeff Peavy. He is the athletic director at Bonaire Middle School. So, we’re both in education.”

HHJ News