County School system . Finally , in 1983 I landed at Valdosta High School , where I would spend the last 39 years teaching English to generations , on every schedule possible — blocks , quarter , semester , 4x4 ; full time and part time .”
Q : How do you communicate and build relationships with students and parents ? Gnann : “ I do not care who my students are or where they are from . You have to be willing to make the connection to understand and partner teaching with life skills .”
Q : What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being a teacher ? Gnann : “ A lot of people think it will be easy , and it ’ s not . You have to be a good listener and set high expectations . Many of my students come back to say ‘ thank you ’ because I challenged them to reach levels and accomplish tasks that many thought they could not complete .”
Q : What are your hobbies ? Gnann : “ My hobbies are reading , needlepoint , and spending time with my five grandkids . I am a part of the stitchers guild at church , where we make blankets for the hospital . Also , as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority , we raise funds to provide scholarships to students and lobby for educators ’ needs and wants .”
Q : What is the best advice you can give ? Gnann : “ You have to be adaptable . In 45 years , so much has changed from curriculum to technology . No two days are the same .”
New Educators
Vantashan Hampton is beginning her second year as a Pine Grove Middle School science teacher .
Q : Why did you become a teacher ? Vantashan : “ What brought me to education after owning my hair salon for ten years was the passion for teaching . I felt we needed someone to be there to root for and protect our kids . I knew that with my creative mindset and as a nontraditional learner , I could add something special to the classroom .”
Vantashan Hampton
24 Valdosta Scene | August 2022