Cross Creek’s 2022-23 Teacher of the Year Jamie Whigham said that Powers is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues.

“She is the kind of person that always finds a way to figure out a solution to any problem,” said Whigham.

Melissa O’Neal (Cross Creek Teacher of the Year 2023-24) said that Powers exemplifies the qualities of a true team player by willingly sharing expertise and resources and fostering a supportive community among educators.

“Her proactive approach to assisting others showcases her commitment to collective success,” said O’Neal.

Whigham observed how Powers forms bonds with her students and pushes them to achieve their personal goals as students.

“Mrs. Powers is hard working and always willing to ‘grab the bull by the horns’ so to speak,” said Whigham. “She does an exceptional job in managing her classroom and setting an environment that is calm and safe for her students and their learning habits.”

Blaine Brooks (Teacher of the Year 2018-19) also noted Powers’ talent for motivating students while meeting their needs academically and emotionally.  She describes her classroom management style as structured, consistent, loving, and tough.

“She encourages students to set goals and take them seriously,” said Brooks. “Then she works hard to help them achieve their goals.”

O’Neal echoed a similar assessment and summarized Powers’ student achievement philosophy as one that emphasizes setting high expectations and providing support for students to reach their full potential.

“She believes in guiding students towards success by nurturing strengths, addressing areas for growth, and demonstrating a commitment to each student's individual progress,” said O’Neal.

Powers states that her pedagogical priorities are first to build relationships with students using classroom management practices. She ensures that students are aware of classroom expectations by continuously discussing what those expectations are and making sure that students understand them. She holds all students to high standards and consistently works to ensure that they are meeting those standards. Powers believes that students need structure, routines, and consistent classroom procedures to ensure that all students are able to access the curriculum and feel safe within her classroom.

“Once these classroom management practices and procedures are put in place, student academic achievement really begins to soar,” said Powers.

Powers earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University. While maintaining her job teaching fourth grade at Cross Creek Elementary, she earned her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Specialist in Early Childhood Education at Georgia Southwestern State University.  Powers serves as a mentor teacher to college students pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education. She also serves as a mentor teacher to new teachers entering the Thomas County School System at Cross Creek Elementary.

During her student teaching tenure at Cross Creek Elementary in 2009, Powers recalls that she was fortunate to be under the guidance of an exceptional mentor teacher Delisa Barrow.
 

“Her insights into classroom management and teaching methodologies laid a strong foundation for my career in education,” said Powers.

Powers also mentioned her appreciation for former Cross Creek Principal Clay Stanaland who provided diverse educational opportunities and whose support enabled her to hone her skills in catering to various types of learners across different classroom settings.

Powers reminisced that she has always wanted to teach since she was a little girl.

“She is passionate and dedicated to teaching,” said Whigham.  “Her students have shared that they all love their teacher and how inspiring she is to them.

Brooks describes Powers as a hard worker who is loving and compassionate with a passion for teaching.

Lastly, Powers credits a significant portion of her achievements to her teaching partner, Jordan Taylor, who has been a constant pillar of support throughout their shared educational journey.
 

“Her unwavering support and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in shaping my teaching philosophy,” said Powers.  “Working alongside her for over nine years has reinforced the value of genuine collaboration with a focus on the best interests of all involved.”