Clay Elementary names teacher of the year

By Megan Miller, Editor

CLAY – Tiffany Payne, fifth grade teacher at Clay Elementary, has recently been named the Clay teacher of the year.

Payne has been teaching at CES for 11 years, but has taught for a total of 17 years.

“When I found out I was teacher of the year I felt very honored to be chosen for this award,” Payne said. “My principal, Dr. Sharon Gallant, asked for the teachers to vote on who they felt would be a good candidate for the award. I am very thankful to the faculty for choosing me. I work with wonderful teachers and supportive administration.”

Payne said her favorite subject to each is math, although as a student, she didn’t enjoy the subject.

“I had a few struggles with it over my school years, but have come to love it with all of the new strategies I have learned to teach my students,” Payne said. “I can understand how the parents feel when they see the ‘new math’ coming home, and feel they can’t help their child.”

Payne said it’s all about teaching and learning strategy in the classroom.

“The best part is watching the students’ faces light up when they finally understand what they have struggled with,” Payne said.

Overall, Payne said her favorite thing about teaching is her students. Although each year comes with its challenges, Payne said she enjoys being able to teach the students as much as she can over the course of the year.

“I expect a lot out of each of them and push them to reach their potential,” Payne said. “They are all at different levels, but each has the ability to do great things. I strive to make my classroom a safe and happy place where my kids feel comfortable.”