Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Week: Constance Avent

HORNSBY, Tenn. — This week’s Educator of the Week presented by the Tennessee Education Lottery winner teaches at Hornsby Elementary School.

“This is my way of making a difference in the world,” Constance Avent said.

Avent is a 40-year veteran in the classroom, and as much as she loves being a role model, the principal says she has plans to retire at the end of this year.

“I have been here at Hornsby Elementary School all this time, one school, and I love it. I love what I’m doing, and it’s going to be hard to give it up,” Avent said.

Avent wears many hats at the school. Not only is she a fourth grade teacher but also the school’s assistant principal.

“I keep going. I get up early in the morning. I try to get here around 6:30 a.m.,” she said. “I try to beat my principal here, but that’s hard to do. I never can beat him here.”

She refers to her students as her “babies” and said they are what keeps her work ethic so high.

“Every day is something new. When I can put a smile on a child’s face and when they come to my classroom and say ‘Ms. Avent’ and they give me a big hug and say ‘I love you,’ that makes my day. That’s enough to keep me going, right there.”

Avent’s nominator said she shows compassion and old fashioned patience to help her students succeed.

“You have to show them that you love them. Once they know that you love them and they know that you respect them, then they’re going to give you back just what you give them.”

Avent said her favorite part about being an educator is her students.

“The kids I work with, I love them. I love to see a smile on their faces. I love to stand here at this door every morning. I love to greet them, I love to see the little pre-K go down the hallway,” Avent said.

Avent will now be eligible for the statewide Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award. Starting in September, to vote for her or any of the other nominees, visit seehowitaddsup.com.

To nominate a teacher for our weekly award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com with a brief description explaining why the honor is deserved.