North Brooks Elementary School has honored Kayla Toler with the prestigious title of Teacher of the Year. With a decade of teaching experience, seven of which have been dedicated to the students of Brooks County, Toler has demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion in her role as a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher.
Toler's academic journey began at Valdosta State University, where she earned a Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education. She furthered her education with a Master of Education in Elementary Education, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to thrive in her teaching career.
Reflecting on her teaching experience, Toler identifies time as the most challenging aspect of her profession. "I teach my students for 90 minutes a day, for 180 days. Broken down, that is 270 hours, 16,200 minutes, and 972,000 seconds," she explains. "In that short amount of time, I strive to not only teach academic standards but also to instill kindness and compassion. It's about more than just teaching from bell to bell; it's about watching students apply what they've learned in all aspects of their life."
Despite the challenges, Toler finds immense reward in witnessing her students' growth. "The most rewarding aspect of teaching is seeing students' light bulbs go off when they grasp a concept. It's the boost of confidence they need to succeed," she says. Her dedication to her students' overall development, both academically and personally, has left a lasting impact on many.
One of Toler's favorite memories highlights the profound influence she has on her students. "I had a student reach out to me years after leaving my class to tell me he was graduating high school and had been accepted into college. He was the first in his family to achieve this. Knowing that I made a positive impact on his life and that he remembered me was a 'wow' moment," she recalls.
Toler's journey to becoming a teacher is equally inspiring. Initially pursuing a career in geology, she found her true calling in education. "Growing up, I struggled with reading and didn't have the best home life. My second-grade teacher, Mrs. Castellana, worked with me tirelessly, making me feel important and special. I wanted to be that advocate and cheerleader for other students," she shares.
Outside the classroom, Toler enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Matthew Toler, and their four sons, Troy, Hank, Nash, and Jake. Her hobbies include reading historical fiction, watching her boys play baseball, singing karaoke, playing chicken foot, and fishing with her husband.
North Brooks Elementary School is proud to recognize Kayla Toler as Teacher of the Year, celebrating her dedication, compassion, and the significant impact she has made on her students and the community. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator.
Mrs. Toler will represent North Brooks Elementary School for the 24-25 school year and will compete at the district level for the title of Brooks County School District’s Teacher of the Year. The BCSD Teacher of the Year will be named at the Teacher of the Year banquet hosted in the fall.
Pictured with Mrs. Toler is Assistant Principal Ashlee Gruno and Principal Reggie Lee.