We recently had a chance to sit down with the Decatur County Teacher of the Month for February, Mrs. Torie Renfroe.
Torie has been in the Decatur County School System for the majority of her life. She graduated from Riverside High School and then completed her bachelor's degree at Bethel University, after which she returned home to teach. During her first year of teaching, she completed her master's degree at Union University. She has been teaching in Decatur County for 11 years. During that time, she has been given the opportunity to teach 3rd, 4th, Kindergarten, and Pre-K.
When asked about her philosophy of teaching, Torie said, “I read a poem in college called ”A Light on in the Attic” by Shel Silverstein. It is something I always refer to when asked about my philosophy of teaching. It says,
'There's a light on in the attic.
Though the house is dark and shuttered,
I can see a flickering flutter,
And I know what it's about.
There's a light on in the attic.
I can see it from the outside,
And I know you’re on the inside… lookin’ out.'
This poem explains one of the greatest joys of teaching, and also one of the most important parts of our job. All our students have great potential. They have been gifted in very unique ways. Success will not look the same for all of them, but all of them can succeed. One of the most important roles I have as a teacher is reminding my little ones that I see the light. I believe in them. That they are capable of great things. I love the fact I get to see students achieve their goals and then see the look in their eyes when they realize all their hard work has paid off.”
As rewarding as teaching is, it does present its challenges. “The hardest part of my job is seeing the odds stacked against some children, even at a young age. But what life teaches us is that those tough moments can produce perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. As teachers, we get to help point students to this truth until they understand it for themselves.”
It is obvious that Mrs. Torie loves her job and her students. “I became a teacher for several different reasons, but the most important reason is that it's something I have been called to do. It's not always easy, and at times I think there is no way I am making a difference at all. But I go back to the moments I have seen God show up throughout the 11 years. Time and time again, He shows His goodness in this life and one way is through my students. God has a specific purpose for all of them and I am grateful I get to be a small piece of it.” We are so proud of Mrs. Torie and we are very lucky to have her in our school system, educating our students! Thank you, Mrs. Torie!