Educator of the Week: Tonya Twyman

It’s time now to recognize our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Tonya Twyman is a 7th Grade ELA teacher at Chester County Junior High School.

“I know it kinda sounds cliché but you, everybody kinda goes into education to change a life and to make an impact on the community around them and so, that’s kinda what I wanted to do,” Twyman said.

Twyman has now been teaching for 14 years. She shares her favorite part of being an educator.

“I enjoy sitting down and reading with – I wouldn’t say my best friends – but a hundred of the greatest kids that I have and so, I enjoy sitting down and reading and just getting to know them on a different level than just the classroom,” said Twyman.

Twyman explains why it’s important to understand students.

“You have to know how they learn and what they like and what they don’t like so you can capture their interest,” Twyman said. “My kids learn by doing so we do a lot of group work, activities.”

We asked Twyman if there was a particular moment she realized teaching was the right choice for her.

“This is what I love and this is what I wanted to do, so everyday you get up and you come to work and you love your kids and you teach them your subject, and you just hope that it’ll pay off in a couple years,” she said.

Twyman shares encouragement to those going into the field of education.

“If that’s what you want to do, go do it. Go change the lives of your kids and enjoy it.”

Twyman is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for her or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.