SYLVESTER, Ga. (WALB) -A Worth County Middle School teacher was surprised with WALB’s monthly A+ Educator award for her dedication to students and innovative teaching approach.

April Stanfill, who teaches 6th-grade math, was recognized by WALB News 10’s Zoe Wells during a surprise visit to the school. Stanfill previously taught 3rd and 4th grade at Worth County Elementary School before moving to the middle school this year.

Building lasting connections

The transition has allowed Stanfill to reconnect with her former students, creating continuity in their educational journey. She said the ongoing relationships have fostered trust between her and her students.

“They do. And I appreciate that. That lets me know that they trust me and that they know that I’m there for them,” Stanfill said. “And that’s the most important thing in my classroom is, you know, that family and loyalty and treating each other like we want others to treat us.”

Students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns with Stanfill, who serves as a mandated reporter when necessary.

Turning struggles into strengths

Stanfill said math was not always her strongest subject, and she never expected to teach it. However, her past struggles have become an asset in helping students who face similar challenges.

“So you kind of have to learn how to, how they receive information and how to break it down for their little brains to understand. Because what makes sense to me may not make sense to them,” Stanfill said. “So, if I don’t understand it, I know they’re not going to. So, we just kind of play. It’s error analysis all day long.”

Mutual learning

Stanfill said that while she teaches her students, she learns from them as well. She described the profession as challenging but rewarding.

“Well, I feel like as a role as a teacher, you’re teaching them how to be good humans. But really, they’re teaching me,” Stanfill said. “It feels good. I mean, it’s hard. It’s one of the hardest professions, but the most rewarding for sure, by far.”

WALB recognizes an A+ Educator each month. Teachers can be nominated at walb.com.

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