Sherry Garmon has been teaching for 35 years and presently teaches at St. Francis Xavier Elementary. She teaches 5th and 6th grade.

Garmon is a finalist for the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Educator of the Year award. The Chamber will select and announce one elementary and one secondary teacher of the year at the Chamber Luncheon in February. The winner of each award will receive $1,000 from Ameristar Casino and the runner-ups for each award will receive $500 from Mutual Credit Union.

When asked how she engages all students in learning and how the learning influences her pupils,  Garmon said she uses lessons that lead to active engagement of all students as well as critical thinking, use of communications in group settings and interpersonal skills in the classroom. Garmon said that one lesson she uses is called Apple Pi. She uses this lesson to not only teach Pi but to influence learning by meeting each student’s learning style and making learning fun.

Garmon ensures that her students are connected to the world around them by incorporating real-world learning through simulations such as stock market games, mock elections, teaching financial literacy and the analysis of current events.

When asked how she incorporates measures to improve student achievement, Garmon explained that “Student achievement in the classroom is improved through the use of assessment, goal setting, evaluation of benchmark tests and reflection.” She also pointed out that by assessing the learning styles of her students she can meet the individual instructional needs of each student.  She also teaches students to set SMART goals, “Students learn how to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. “Goal setting is a life skill that teaches my students that anything is possible with a plan and commitment,” Garmon said.

When asked what her most moving educational experience was, Garmon said, “One of my most moving educational experiences was learning that I inspired a former student to become a teacher. As a teacher you don’t realize the huge impact you have in the lives of your students.”

Garmon also said, “I want to inspire others to reach their greatest potential, that is why I teach.”