DECATUR, Ala. — FOX54 News Top Teacher Kaitlyn Rancher of Banks-Caddell Elementary School is a new teacher, but that hasn't stopped her from making a difference in the lives of her kindergarten students.
"What motivates me is just like I’m a momma. So I try to like pour that mom energy into my kids," said Rancher.
Principal Britt Lovelace recognizes the impact teachers have on the youngest students.
"Ms. Rancher came in at the beginning of the year and we knew there were children that had never been in school before. In fact, she even had students who didn’t speak English and now they’re already successful in the classroom. It’s very important for teachers in Kindergarten to make an impact on children because it’s their foundation is where we build our community with the students, with the families so that they are successful throughout their school years,” said Lovelace.
Ms. Rancher may be new to teaching, but her learning never ends. "One of my students currently gives me a Spanish word every week." And she says it helps when there's support."
"Having that support is key and that makes me get out of bed, even when I’m like ‘I don’t feel like getting up at 5:30. You know? I enjoy coming here. I enjoy my staff. I have the best staff in the world. “I don’t see myself retiring until like I’m like fifty, and I’m only 23 years old!” she added.
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