(Editor’s note: Meet one of the five finalists for Columbia County’s Board of Education Teacher of the Year Award.)
Dreaming of being a teacher from her elementary school years, Brook Andrews has always thought of herself as an enthusiastic educator seeking to improve the traditional forms of instruction.
From erupting different types of magma to delving into history , Andrews believes in keeping material fresh and interesting through numerous teaching methods and activities.
“My classes are really discussion based,” she said. “I think it’s a big engagement piece, if the kids are talking about it and using the vocabulary – having them take ownership of it is important.”
With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Andrews has recently been selected as one of Columbia County’s top five finalists for the Teacher of the Year award.
“I really enjoy being around the kids. I think they’re so fun,” she said. “When we have a fun lesson that goes well, I feel good about it and it just makes me happy.”
Currently teaching sixth grade Earth science and eighth grade Georgia history at Stallings Island Middle School, Andrews holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Education and an Education Specialist degree from Augusta State University.
“People always ask me, ‘why do you teach middle school?’” she said. “But I really like this age. They’re old enough that they can do things independently, like completing an assignment on their own and accepting a challenge, but they’re still willing to ask for help and take your guidance.”
Previously selected as the school’s Teacher of the Year back in 2012-13 and winning the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award in 2019, Andrews also serves on the Stallings Island Middle School leadership team and has served on various school district curriculum committees.
“As a teacher you need to know your curriculum – that’s such a huge piece to teaching. You not only have to know the content, but you also have to know how much the kids need to know and how you’re going to get them there,” she said. “And, since I’ve been at Stallings Middle for 16 years now, I feel like the leadership committee is a really good fit for me, because I’ve been through the twists and turns.”
Outside of the classroom, Andrews is known for sponsoring several school clubs and endeavoring to prepare students for prestigious competitions, such as the International Academic Competitions, the CSRA Eco Meet and the Georgia Envirothon.
“Kids like school more when they feel seen, and sometimes during the school day those opportunities don’t present themselves naturally,” she said. “Different opportunities make them want to be here and that makes their day better.”
Most importantly, Andrews said she prioritizes creating an atmosphere filled with kindness, fair treatment and forgiveness.
“I think if the kids see you modeling hard work, kindness to everybody and forgiveness then it just creates this climate that everyone can grow in,” she said. “Everybody trusts that environment and they can come in here and know it’s a safe place, and that’s when you’re developing humans who are going to be good to each other…and hopefully they’ll later take that into the community.”
As an educator, Andrews said she hopes her middle schoolers leave Stallings Middle feeling the love and support of each teacher – because all want the students to succeed.
“I want them to just keep working hard and doing the right thing, because it’s going to make a difference in their life and someone else’s life,” she said.
During tough times and phases, Andrews said she encourages her students by reminding them of the important lessons one can learn from making mistakes.
“There’s no mistake they can make that they can’t fix,” she said. “I have on my board, ‘don’t stress, do your best, forget the rest and if you make a mistake let’s fix it together.’ Let’s problem solve and move forward. There’s nothing they can’t bounce back from, and tomorrow is going to be better.”
As a mother of four sons, Andrews said she strives to set an example for her children and students of someone who is very invested in her community.
“I know from experience that every child sitting in my classroom is someone’s beating heart … the kids that I’m teaching are growing up with my kids, and I want success for them so badly,” she said. “I want them to be happy, healthy and safe, and I’m so invested in this community with this group of people. I try to be a good example of a community advocate.”
From being selected as a Teacher of Year finalist, Andrews said she hopes her achievement sets a precedent for both her sons and students.
“I hope they see that hard work is satisfying and that kindness is important,” she said.
Embodying humbleness, Andrews also said being recognized as a finalist also came with some challenges.
“Yes it feels good, but it’s hard because I think every single person in this hallway could be where I am. These coworkers that I have are amazing,” she said. “So, it’s also a little bit uncomfortable because I know I’m surrounded by other people who are hardworking too, and I want that recognition for everybody.”
With several years of experience in education, Andrews said she often looks back and remembers comparing herself to seasoned and veteran teachers, and wanting to be just as successful and even a little competitive when it came to high test scores.
“I wish I could go back to my younger self and say, ‘you don’t need to be focusing on that. Just go in every day and do good work,” she said. “You’re not saving the world – you’re just going in and trying to make at least one kid’s day. Take it one kid at a time and then go to bed happy with what you did.”
The Teacher of Year award winner will be announced at the district’s annual Teacher of the Year banquet on Oct. 4. The event’s live stream will begin at 6:30 p.m. online at the Columbia County School District’s official website.
