Teacher of the Year
Mr. Darren Spivey
2006-2007
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Midway's Teacher of the Year is Mr. Darren Spivey, fifth grade extension teacher.
Please read his professional biography.

    "I have always wanted to teach,  It's really that simple.  I grew up and attended school in Milledgeville, right up the road from Midway Elementary.  My experiences in school were great, and I guess that's why being a teacher always appealed to me.  I enjoyed the challenges of school and the sense of community that school provides.  I always wanted to be a part of the challenges and community of school.  It took me a while to get there though.
    I attended Trevecca Nazarene College and majored in Physical Education with a minor in Special Education.  I ran out of money though and had to change my minor to Business and Administration.  My first teaching job was with the prison system where I taught prisoners life skills in order to aid in their rehabilitation.  Teaching these guys leisure skills, social skills, and lifetime sports skills was a great way to start my career.
    Once I had my son Donovan, my desire to teach children was rejuvenated.  I became involved in the Baldwin County School System through a friend that I had worked with in the prison system.  I was offered a teaching position at the Learning Center (Carver School), which I was able to take because of my prison system experience.  The rewards of this highly challenging environment were appealing and fulfilling.
    I ended up at Midway because of my involvement in my son's school life.  I still live right up the road from Midway and feel a strong sense of community there.  I always wanted to be a teacher, but it was ultimately Donovan that pointed me in the right direction not once, but twice?
    Teaching is not about me, my classroom, or the lessons I teach.  It is all about the students in my care growing through direction, caring, and individual guidance.  I believe that ALL people can learn, and I feel even more strongly that all children can learn.  If learning is not taking place in my classroom then I must be doing something wrong.  I strive to find a way to reach each student by getting to know each of my students.  By knowing each of them well, I am able to tailor my instruction to meet the individual needs of each of them."

                                                                Click here for a power point presentation of the Teacher of the Year.
                                                                                        Don't miss these pictures!