West Tennessee teacher talks about her experience on Jennifer Hudson Show

JACKSON, Tenn. — A recently awarded teacher at local school appears on daytime TV for a special segment.

Recently awarded Tennessee Early Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education, Jamaica Kirby receives $1,000 from Tennesseans for Quality Early Education.

Due to her inspirational admiration for her students, she was invited to be on the Jennifer Hudson show.

Kirby is a teacher at Arlington Elementary here in the Hub City.

“When I decided to become a teacher, I knew I wanted to be the teacher that I wanted when I was younger. So right now, in the classroom, I make sure that every single day I come in I’m being the best version of me so that I can be the best version for my kids because they go through enough outside of the school that when they get here I just want them to only be joyful and happy every single day,” said Kirby.

When Kirby told Jennifer that she was fundraising for Christmas gifts for her students, Jennifer surprised her with 100 toys courtesy of Hasbro!

“All the kids — all the pre-k kids at Arlington are going to get a playdough scooter which is insane. They’re delivering a hundred of them to my house so that’s going to be fun. But, everyone’s going to get a scooter. I told my husband he has to dress up in a Santa suit and we’re just going to bring a big ole trailer and give them out before pick up,” said Kirby.

This Brownsville native describes her experience in Hollywood.

“All I know is this classroom, so being somewhere where you have a driver and a dressing room, and people are all tailored to you — I’m like ‘What is going on here?’ Because I’m used to taking care of everybody else, so it was insane. I pray from this experience that people don’t just take away that I was on the Jennifer Hudson show but how educators really do shape the world,” said Kirby.

The principal of Arlington expresses her gratitude for all educators that make a difference.

“When we get to share what happens inside the walls, it’s a great experience and it brings our community to us and so it is a little peak at how our educators continuously, everyday affect the lives of our students,” said Josie Currie, Arlington Elementary principal.

All of the pre-k students at Arlington Elementary will receive their gift from the Jennifer Hudson Show before they return home for Christmas break.

For more local news, click here.