Keri Hamilton
Magnolia High School
10th and 12th grade English
Hometown: Stamps
Why did you decide to become a teacher? Teaching was not my first choice, but I had some very special English teachers who inspired me. All three of my junior high and high school English teachers in Stamps have also taught in Magnolia: Mrs. Rebecca Hatfield, Mrs. Kelly Ribble, and Ms. Connie Hinton.
What was our favorite subject when you were a student? Computer Business Applications and English
My proudest moment as a teacher is: When I see former students, and they tell me they are currently attending or have graduated college, or they are working full-time.
The thing my students enjoy most about my classroom is: I try to make learning fun and applicable to real life.
My most important goal for my student’s educational future is: I want them all to do something productive after they graduate; college, technical school, military, or work.
What I love most about my school is: My co-workers and my students. Visitors on our campus always brag about our polite, respectful kids.
My favorite thing about being a teacher is: Seeing students make connections between real life and literature. (Summer vacation is a perk too!)
When I was the same age as my students, my favorite thing about school was: Extracurricular activities. I loved basketball, softball, yearbook, student council, and anything else to get me out of class.
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Jana Crawford
Junior High
Geography and Arkansas History
Hometown: Plain Dealing, La.
Why did you decide to become a teacher? Because I love teaching people new things and watching them grow.
What was our favorite subject when you were a student? Geography, History, and English.
My proudest moment as a teacher is: That “a-ha” moment.
The thing my students enjoy most about my classroom is: They are kept busy doing things for themselves and participating in their own learning process.
My most important goal for my student’s educational future is: To make them productive members of society.
What I love most about my school is: Everyone works hard to help students succeed.
My favorite thing about being a teacher is: Watching kids learn.
When I was the same age as my students, my favorite thing about school was: Physical education.