Linda Clark This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. MORGAN COUNTY CITIZEN: Clark earns students' respect with sincerity

   morgancountycitizen.com/gbase/ - [Cached]

   Published on: 8/30/2003   Last Visited: 7/16/2004

   Clark earns students' respect with sincerity
   ...
   For Morgan County native Linda Clark, who was named teacher of the year at Morgan County Middle School, teaching was her inspiration and destiny. After graduating from Morgan County High School, Clark went on to Brenau University where she received a education specialist degree. Although her training allows her to teach science, math, social studies and language arts, Clark is currently enjoying her sixth year as a science and reading teacher at Morgan County Middle School.
   
   "I think that all children can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way," Clark said. "They should be embraced, recognized and celebrated for their different attributes."
   
   Clark tries to bring to school with her each day a positive attitude and the ability to think like a child. She likes to work with some of the harder children in the school to try and have a positive impact on them. Most importantly, Clark tries to teach her students to work with each other and respect each other's opinions. After the first nine weeks was completed, Clark had a student come up to her and thank her for teaching him to respect and listen to others, something she said impacted him beyond science. And it is examples like this that create a better understanding of why students gravitate to her.
   
   "I think that if children know you care about them beyond learning, they will care back and respect you," Clark said. "I always tell my kids that life is changing, growth is optional, and that they must choose wisely. I believe that I teach the kids skills that are relevant to them and the real world."
   
   When Clark learned of the award, she said that she was shocked but honored that her colleagues thought enough of her to choose her.
   
   "Each and every teacher here is deserving of this honor. They are all Teachers of the Year in their classrooms," Clark said.