Newberry, S.C.: Celebrating Our Teacher of the Week
It’s a delightful day in Newberry, South Carolina, as we take a moment to focus on a wonderful educator making waves in her community. Meet Ms. Brooke Tolbert, our shining star and Teacher of the Week! For the past seven years, Ms. Tolbert has been sharing her passion for music with the young minds at Newberry Elementary School. It’s a role that brings joy not just to her, but to her students as well.
From Young Hearts to Enthusiastic Voices
One of the best parts about being a music teacher, according to Ms. Tolbert, is watching her students grow up. “The beauty of being the music teacher is that you see these students every year, so I get to see them grow up from being three years old,” she shares with a smile. A bright example of her students’ love for music is little Mackenzie, who is just five years old. “She was a good worker,” says Mackenzie, beaming as she recalls her experiences in Ms. Tolbert’s class.
A Journey of Dedication
Ms. Tolbert hails from Prosperity, South Carolina, and pursued her passion at Newberry College, eventually earning her master’s degree at USC. Currently, she is ambitiously working towards her doctorate at Liberty University. Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Tolbert admits, “I wanted to do high school band. And then I was actually placed here with the last music teacher. And I fell in love.” It seems that fate had other plans, as she quickly realized that elementary school was where her heart truly belonged.
Inspiration Behind the Passion
Every great teacher has a mentor, and for Ms. Tolbert, that was her high school band director, Mr. Jed Thomas. She recalls his supportive nature fondly, saying, “He was always there for me. He knew what to say, he was very involved and cared about us, almost like a parental figure.” Inspired by his impact, she vowed to make a difference in other people’s lives. “I told myself, if I could make the same difference in one person’s life, my job was done.”
A Supportive Environment
Ms. Tolbert’s dedication doesn’t just stop at teaching music; she’s also committed to creating a nurturing atmosphere for her students. According to Laddie Osborne, an assistant teacher in the Montessori class at the school, “She’s having a lot of fun. She knows what she’s doing, and she can handle the children with the music. It just all comes together.” This supportive environment encourages creativity and expression in all forms.
Recognizing Our Everyday Heroes
It’s clear that Ms. Tolbert cares deeply about her students’ development. “I hope that they know that I love them. I care about them so much,” she says earnestly. Her wish is for them to gain confidence and discover their own creative outlets, whether through music, art, or any other medium they find passion in.
Nominate Your Favorite Teacher
Do you know a teacher who’s making a significant impact like Ms. Tolbert? If you believe that your favorite educator deserves recognition for their hard work, consider nominating them! Simply send an email detailing the ways that teacher is going above and beyond in the classroom. Your voice could help shine a light on the unsung heroes of education!
In a world that often rushes by, it’s heartwarming to pause and celebrate the educators who shape young minds each day. In Newberry, Ms. Brooke Tolbert is a shining example of dedication and passion, inspiring her students to explore the magic of music.
