A lasting impression: Meet inspiring teacher, Jordanna Williams

Mrs. Jordanna Williams was chosen as the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year and Emanuel County Teacher of the Year. Beginning her teaching career in Toombs County teaching Pre-K at Lyons Primary School, she only taught there a year before being offered a job at Emanuel County Pre-K. Mrs. Williams taught Pre-K in Emanuel County for two years before then moving to first grade. She is now in her 12th year of teaching and is still teaching first grade at Swainsboro Primary School.

“I am married to Matthew Williams, and we have two daughters, Gabbi who is 16 and Annie Parker who is 9. I am from Swainsboro, born and raised. I began my teaching career in Toombs County teaching Pre-K at Lyons Primary School. I only taught there one year and then was offered a job back home here in Emanuel County where I am happy to be today.” stated Williams.

Mrs. Williams chose this profession because she couldn’t think of anything more rewarding than getting to play a part in the success of children. Also, growing up around the school with her mom and sister being teachers, played a big part as well. “Being able to love the students, support them, learn their likes and dislikes, and using all of those things to teach them is special. I always feel like I learn more from them than they learn from me.” Williams commented.

“I have truly been blessed by some amazing educators in my school career. My mom and sister both played a very influential part of the person and teacher I am today. Some others that made a lasting influence on me include Mary Pate Gay, Jane Durden, Rylan Smith, Melanie Frye, Tracey Mercer, and Selena Reynolds. They have all taught me so much both inside the classroom and out.” added Williams.

“SPS is home to some of the absolute best teachers and staff. They are compassionate, caring, loving, and definitely some of the hardest working people I know. We are truly a family at SPS.” Williams commented.

Mrs. Williams loves to read, saying “there is no better feeling than getting lost inside a book”. She also loves to shop, go to the beach, cook, and hang out with friends.

Now that you’ve met the teacher and read her story, read her Q/A’s below to further understand Jordanna Williams’ incredible values of teaching and how she’s changing and inspiring young lives in our community.

What have you found most rewarding in your career?

Williams: The students. They are the “why” behind everything I do. Being able to be even a small part of their life and educational journey is a reward in itself. When I think back on my childhood, some of my best memories include school and my teachers. I just hope to be that for my students as well and want them to know how much I loved them and wanted them to succeed.

Do you feel that each of your students have left a lasting impression on you?

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Williams: Absolutely! I knew from being a mom that your heart can grow to love each child, but when I started teaching, I had no idea it would be able to grow and love every one of my students as if they were my own children too. Each child that I have taught has been special to me in his/her own way. They will always take up a special place in my heart, even long after the year is over.

What advice would you like to give to new or upcoming educators?

Williams: One thing at a time. It is easy to get overwhelmed in the list of things to do each day, but just take it one thing at time, do your best at it, and then come back then next day and do it all over again.

How does it make you feel to see the success that many of your previous students have become?

Williams: While I haven’t had the chance to see a group of students graduate yet, I am always excited to see my current and previous students be successful inside the classroom and out. I love to watch them play sports, dance or whatever extracurricular activities they do. I am also always proud of their academic achievements as they advance up Tiger Trail. I love when my students that have moved on to second grade come back and see me and share their achievements and progress with me. I also love seeing photos online of them at awards ceremonies or in clubs or whatever it may be.

If you could tell your past students or future students one thing that you hope will stick with them all throughout life, what would that be?

Williams: You can do hard things. I am a firm believer that we can do whatever we set our mind to. Even if we fail, we can learn from it and try again. The only things we cannot do, are the things we never attempt. This applies not only to work inside school, but anything we do in life.

What’s a favorite memory or some of your favorite memories that you have from your time as an educator?

Williams: Field trips are always a favorite. So many kids do not have the opportunities to get out of

Swainsboro and see some of the things we learn in a real-world setting. Their genuine excitement is priceless. Another favorite memory is hatching chickens in our classroom. The students got to participate in a lesson on parts of an egg as well as basic needs of chickens, then got to put the eggs in an incubator and watch them over 21 days until they hatched. They absolutely LOVED it. Also, any time I have the chance to read aloud to my kids, especially Junie B. Jones chapter books, is always a favorite time of mine. They love it and are eager to hear all about the character and her mischief every day.