In Focus @ GWA Special Edition
May 23, 2018
Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (770) 267-7578
Facebook: facebook.com/GeorgeWaltonAcademy/
Twitter: @georgewalton
Eric Bright
Eighth Grade Math Teacher
17 years of experience as a math teacher
Eastern Illinois University - M.A.
University of Illinois - B.S.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
Since first grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and when I had an amazing math teacher in seventh grade named Mr. Frey, I knew I wanted to teach math just like him. I wanted the chance to help students understand math better, but more importantly, I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of students by helping them think critically about life, the choices they make, and their overall approach to learning. Learning how to learn is one of most important aspects of education.
What are you most looking forward to as you join GWA?
I know that every student truly is unique and should have the opportunity to learn rather than the mandate to learn. I'm looking forward to working at GWA because I'll have the flexibility to modify curriculum to suit my students rather than forcing them down the standard educational path. I also know that GWA has some of the best students around, and I'm super excited to work with them!
Please share any aspects of your experience that may be of interest to our students and parents.
I have written two eighth grade digital math textbooks of my own that I give away for free. They are used around the nation and even the world. I'm particularly touched that the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Nashville has decided to use my curriculum to help students who are receiving treatment there. Making a difference for kids is why I got into this business, and I plan to continue doing that at GWA!
Would you like to share about your family?
My wife, Amanda, just finished her Doctorate degree and accepted a position at UGA. We have two children, Luke (9) and Katherine (6), who are into reading, sports, and playing video games with their uncles.
Chris Krow
Upper School Math Teacher, Coach
25 years of experience as a teacher
Lehigh University – M.S. Statistics
Albright College – B.S. Mathematics
Why did you pursue a career as a teacher?
I decided on education when I was in graduate school and worked as a teaching assistant. I enjoyed being in front of a class and explaining calculus to other college students. Since the lifestyle of a teacher fits that of a graduate student, the career made sense! Both of my parents worked in college education so I'm sure that helped.
What are you most looking forward to as you join the GWA team?
I'm excited to work at GWA because of its southern location. I've been intrigued by the idea of working in the South and close to a vibrant city like Atlanta and college town like Athens. GWA balances strong academics with strong athletics and that appeals to me as a teacher and coach.
Please share anything unique about your experience that may be of interest to our students and parents.
I've taught almost every math class from fifth-grade math through multivariable calculus during my career. My graduate degree is in statistics and that is a personal academic love of mine. I also coach track, cross country, and basketball.
Would you like to share about your family?
No immediate family but I have a girlfriend in San Diego. My mother and brother's family live outside of Philadelphia, which is where I grew up.
Jeanie Collin
Academic Coach13 years of experience in education
Piedmont College - M.Ed.
State University of West Georgia - B.S.
Why did you want to become a teacher?
In first grade, I had an amazing teacher who was fun and creative. This is when I decided to become a teacher. Teaching allows me to use creativity to help students have "lightbulb" moments. Watching a student gain understanding and confidence in themselves is priceless!
Why do you want to be a part of GWA?
GWA is a tight-knit community that makes people feel welcome. My own children's positive experiences at the school have led me to want to be a part as well. I am looking forward to the many special traditions that GWA has to offer.
Please share anything about your experience that would be of interest to our students and their parents.
I love dance and the fine arts! I liked to create sets for the fifth-grade plays at my school. I also coached an after-school dance team called The DAZZLERS that performed in parades, nursing homes, and school events.
Would you like to share any information about your family?
My daughter Avery will be in eighth grade and plays on the GWA tennis team. My son, Peyton, will be in seventh grade and he plays basketball for GWA. My husband is a restaurant operator and owner. We have a Goldendoodle named Dude.
Luke Yoder
History Teacher10 years of experience as a teacher
Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in history at Georgia State University
Louisiana State University – M.A.
Reinhardt University – B.A.
Why did you pursue a career in teaching?
I chose a career in education because I enjoy sharing my love of history with students and helping them learn to think as intellectually-mature individuals.
Why did you want to become part of the GWA team?
I wanted to teach at George Walton because I felt welcomed from the moment I walked in the door and I could tell the school and I shared similar goals and values for education. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone at George Walton and becoming part of the community.
Is there anything unique about your experience that you would like to share?
I'm a Georgia native but I moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2005 to begin my graduate studies at LSU. My first week there, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. It was my first hurricane ever! The following weeks were a whirlwind and I saw some of the damage first-hand. I lived there for a few more years and saw a few more hurricanes come through, but nothing compared to that first week. It was quite a welcome!
Please tell us about your family.
I have a lovely wife, Heston, and a beautiful daughter, Maisie (13 months old).
Chelsea Carver
Lower School Art Teacher
10 years of experience as a teacher
Belhaven University - B.A.
Mississippi College - M.F.A.
Why did you pursue a career in education?
In my ten years in education, my heart still lights up seeing students achieve goals they did not think they could achieve. Teaching gives me such fulfillment. I am very thankful God called me into this field!
What are you most looking forward to as you join GWA?
I recently heard someone use the phase, "In the middle of God's will is the best place to be". That must be why we have so much peace when walking through the doors God opens for us. I am excited to be joining the GWA family and look forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds.
Please share anything unique about your experience that would be of interest to our students and parents.
I have illustrated two published children's books and have been in numerous art shows, exhibits and festivals. I have a website: chelseartstudio.com.
Would you like to tell us about your family?
I am married to my childhood sweetheart, Brandon. We have one daughter, Charis, who is beginning college this fall. She will be studying Early Childhood Education.
Laura Nabors
Associate Director College Counseling
Eight years of experience in school counseling
University of West Georgia - M.Ed.
University of Georgia - B.S.
Why did you decide to on a career in education?
I decided to pursue school counseling because no day is ever the same. I love to challenge and encourage students to set goals and pursue their passions. College counseling is such a dynamic field and it is fun to learn about emerging majors and careers.
What are you most looking forward to as you join the GWA team?
I’m excited about joining the GWA family and contributing to a counseling team. I’m also looking forward to learning about the school’s traditions.
Please share any unique aspects of your experience that would be of interest to our students and parents.
I have led four international mission trips for high school students - one trip to Martha Brea, Jamaica, and three to Budapest, Hungary.
Would you like to share about your family?
I am married to Ben Nabors. We will celebrate our seven-year anniversary this month.
Carson McTier
Seventh Grade English Teacher
Next year will be my first official year of experience as a teacher, but during this school year I student taught and I am currently long-term substituting.
Liberty University - M.A.T. in Secondary Education
Samford University - B.A. in English
Why did you want to become a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher all of my life. It is amazing how God gives each of us different passions, and I know that teaching is the passion He gave me. I specifically enjoy teaching English because one can learn about the language through reading a text on any topic, which means the content never grows dull. I love getting to know my students and their interests, and then incorporating those interests into the classroom.
What are you most looking forward to as you join GWA?
Upon visiting George Walton, the close-knit atmosphere immediately stuck out to me. George Walton has a family feel to it that I am excited to be a part of. I grew up attending a smaller private school, so I am looking forward to the opportunity to pour into students the way my teachers poured into me; the chance to walk with students through a year of their middle school journey is an honor
Please share anything unique about your experience that may be of interest to our students and parents.
My experience thus far is rather limited, but I am currently teaching eighth grade honors and traditional language arts. I student taught with seniors taking AP Literature, and the content that I taught to seniors has helped me to know what the end goal is for students who are in middle school, but may desire to reach that level before graduating. My grandfather started a Christian school, so I have witnessed the value of private education throughout my life and am excited to join George Walton's faculty in encouraging students in every area of life, not only academics.
Would you like to share about your family?
I have been married for two years to my high school sweetheart, David. We do not have any children yet... just a dog! We live in Grayson.