Fifth grade teacher Amy McClendon has been named the 2013-14 Teacher of the Year at Charles Spencer Elementary School. McClendon earned an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from ABAC, a bachelor’s degree in Interrelated Early Childhood/Special Education 2007 from Valdosta State University, a master’s degree in Interrelated Early Childhood/Special Education 2008 from VSU and ESOL Certification in 2012. She has taught at Charles Spencer her entire teaching career of five years. On why she became a teacher, McClendon said, “My grandfather only had an eighth grade education, but he instilled a love of reading in me from the time I could sit up. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. I have a tremendous number of excellent teachers and colleagues who have inspired me. My desire is to be a positive influence in the lives of the children I teach. I want to see my students overcome obstacles in order to achieve their dreams.” Pictured, left to right, are CS Principal Mickey Weldon, McClendon and CS Assistant Principal Tammy Corbin.

Several schools in Tift County have recently announced their Teachers of the Year for the 2012-13 school year.