(Editor’s note: Meet one of the five finalists for Columbia County’s Board of Education Teacher of the Year Award.)
For Greenbrier High School Teacher of the Year, Crystal McDowell, an interest in teaching first began in her elementary years when she constantly pretended to teach for fun.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing pretend teaching, or going to my elementary school teachers and asking how I could help,” she said. “It was always just a part of something that I loved. I always just connected with it so much.”
Selected as one of the teacher finalists for this year’s Columbia County Teacher of the Year Award, McDowell is also one of three finalists for NTSA Shell National Teacher Award and a Georgia finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Teaching at Greenbrier High for the last five years, McDowell has also served as the Science Department Chair for the past three years.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from North Carolina State University, and later earned a master’s and educational specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Missouri Baptist University, before settling in the CSRA.
McDowell, who teaches a variety of high level science courses, said she values her career in education because it taught her how to become a better person by giving students an opportunity to excel and celebrate their successes.
Wanting to revive the curiosity students experience as young children by exploring the natural world, McDowell said she initially became an educator with a mission for changing the field, but she stayed because she fell in love with building meaningful connections with her students.
“I absolutely just fell in love with the students … I fell in love with teaching because of my students,” she said. “I wanted to help students to find that place that helped them to thrive, to be the best that they can be and to overcome any obstacles that they have in life.”
With a varied teaching style that especially highlights visual and kinetic learning, McDowell said she strongly tries to emphasize to students how important science truly is in order for day-to-day life to occur.
“I wanted to be that person to change how science was taught so that students would get more out of it and be interested in it, because it’s not just me teaching them every day, it’s us learning together – it’s a partnership,” she said. “I am a teacher who wants to get the kids engaged and I want them to experience what they are learning about, so it’s very important to me to have application.”
Currently studying the specific parts of a cell in her biology classes, McDowell presented a realistic case study to students and charged them with identifying the realistic differences between healthy and disease-affected cells.
“For it to be effective and for them to be engaged, enriched and inspired, which is [Columbia County’s] vision, is for them to see the relevance of what they are learning,” she said. “I want to give them experiences where they make those connections to the real world.”
Trying to actively fight against a stigma that “only certain people can do science,” McDowell believes learning the subject in a manner that actual scientists utilize it allows students to integrate themselves in the career and charge over their own self-doubt in learning.
“Everybody can learn about science, but it has to be accessible,” she said. “When taught the right way, with enough of those experiences, kids do start to engage and fall in love with some of the things you teach.”
Also a mother, McDowell said she prefers teaching high schoolers, because she’s able to build lasting connections and watch them grow into capable young adults who have the potential to accomplish great things in the future.
“They are going through all kinds of decisions and choices, and it is amazing to see them grow from that 9th grade year to their 12th grade year,” she said. “I’m their teacher, but I’m also sometimes called Momma McD, because I’m their school mom … I’m very passionate about being there for these kids.”
Wanting each student to feel that her classroom is a safe place, McDowell said she always tries to ensure that each student feels heard and seen, because in her classroom they are more than just a number on a piece of paper.
“I want them to walk away knowing they accomplished something,” she said. “Confidence is so critical for self-esteem and for moving on to the next level, whether it’s a job or going on to college, and when I hear back from students it’s the greatest feeling to know that I was at least part of that journey to help them be successful.”
By challenging her students with high, but reasonable expectations, McDowell said she hopes each leaves high school understanding that hard work and discipline lead to accomplishment.
“It helps them see the potential that I see, so that they can actualize it better,” she said. “I try to instill skills in them as well that they can transfer to life and other classes that they are taking. That’s huge for me, to help them navigate whatever problem drops in their lap.”
Although teaching involves juggling several hats and roles, as well as long hours, McDowell said she has never regretted her decision to become an educator; for her, each lasting impression with a student makes it all worth the effort.
“I’ve had students tell me, ‘McDowell nobody has ever believed in me like you have,’ and it’s dependent on that trust and relationship, because you took the time to get to know that kid and what works for them,” she said.
Inspired by a past professor in her undergraduate years, McDowell said she would never forget how she was changed by his determination in providing for his students.
“He told us, ‘the best educators find a way to make sure their students get to experience opportunities that they otherwise never would be able to,’” McDowell said. “That was a huge motivational piece for me. I put the hours in because if it makes a difference for one kid then it’s worth it to me. It just matters.”
Refusing to ever give up on a kid, McDowell said she approaches each day as a fresh start and encourages even the most stubborn of students to apply themselves by rising to the different challenges that high school poses.
“It’s being their cheerleader; it’s about being that person who is in their corner,” she said. “I try to show up and support kids and that just brightens their day – whether it’s sports, a play or some other performance – that shows a kid you cared enough to take time out of your day to come see something else they excel in.”
Describing her recent recognition for being selected as a Teacher of the Year finalist as humbling and overwhelming, McDowell said she was honored to represent her “amazing” school and fellow staff.
“The whole system here at our school is like a family. We really do represent a family, and it’s just incredible,” she said. “That they have that kind of faith and confidence in me means a lot.”
If chosen to represent the county as Teacher of the Year, McDowell said she will do so to the best of her ability, which will be fueled by her passion for teaching and supporting others.
“I just want to do everything I can to be the best that I can be, not just for my students, but also for my colleagues and the district,” she said. “We can’t have that transformative change, unless we share a common vision … and that’s huge for me, as a change agent, to share in the work of maintaining our county’s vision.”
As she awaits further observation by judges and the announcement of the winner, McDowell is making headway on a brand new Genetics course for Greenbrier High students, where she plans on emphasizing the interesting subject of DNA.
The Teacher of Year award winner will be announced at the district’s annual Teacher of the Year banquet on Oct. 4.
