Cultivating a love for science among her students is her mission. Observing students develop their skills and embrace the field’s possibilities is her joy.
Laura Kornegay has been named the 2018 Thomas County Central High School Teacher of the Year. This is her second such award: she also earned the title in 2004. The recognition was a surprise, Kornegay says.
“Mrs. (Trista) Jones (principal) asked me to come by her office to talk to her about a few things,” she recalls. “I thought it might be about class offerings for next year; I hoped I hadn’t done anything wrong! When I got to her office, there were a bunch of students there – I was very surprised! Receiving the award a second time is humbling.”
Now in her 33rd teaching year, Kornegay has taught in Burke County, Thomasville City Schools and, for 25 years, with Thomas County Schools. She’s taught robotics, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Environmental Science, and Honors Chemistry.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Mercer University, a master’s in secondary science education from Valdosta State University and an education specialist in gifted education from the University of Georgia. She finished her teacher certification courses at Augusta State College.
Teaching was always in the back of Kornegay’s mind; however, she first wanted to study the sciences in graduate school. She finished her coursework at Mercer early and was given a chance to teach an algebra class at a Macon school.
“Not having any training in teaching and trying to catch students up who were behind was very challenging, but I learned that I loved sharing my love for learning with students,” she said. “At the change of semester, they offered me a full time position to finish the year. I taught math and I helped them set up their first computer lab full of Commodore-64 computers. That fall I started my teaching career with my husband (Dusty Kornegay) in Burke County.”
Though Kornegay has taught other subjects, her instructional love is science.
“I love science,” she said. “I love seeing students learn science. I love the curiosity and wonder of science. Science has solved serious problems and has made our life more comfortable. Sometimes science has just added to our wealth of knowledge. I just love to hear, ‘That’s so cool!’ while we are doing a lab.”
Chemistry is her favorite area of science to teach, followed by physics and environmental science.
“Chemistry and physics make sense and explain so much,” Kornegay says. “Our environment plays such a big role in our overall health and well-being; everyone should learn about it as well.”
The seasoned classroom veteran likes to teach through guided inquiry.
“Students remember what they learn when they discover it for themselves,” Kornegay shares. “Although it can sometimes frustrate students, I think they find this way of learning fun. Sometimes the frustration is part of the learning process.”
She also hopes her students learn to think critically.
“When they are told something as ‘fact,’ I hope they automatically ask, ‘How do we know this? How can this be verified?,’” Kornegay said.
The most important lesson senior Chris Wiggins says Kornegay has taught him is patience and perseverance.
“Mrs. Kornegay has taught me that I should never give up on other members of whatever team I'm on in any situation,” he said.
The educator also works with several student groups outside of the classroom: Science Olympiad, Envirothon, TCCHS Environmental Ambassadors, and the school’s robotics team. She also coordinates the Andrew College Academic Competition and the school’s annual science fair.
“These activities allow students to explore subjects beyond what we get to do in a regular classroom,” Kornegay said. “Sometimes a science fair project or an event in Science Olympiad sparks a students’ interest that they wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to. These activities also get students on college campuses, and they get to see what students from other schools are doing and are capable of doing. I remind them that these are the students they are competing against for admission to top colleges and for big scholarships.”
Wiggins cites Kornegay’s hard work in preparing her students for the future and her willingness to help them with any need.
“Mrs. Kornegay stands out in that she dedicates hours after class and after school to help us prepare for robotics as well as preparing us for college classes by challenging us to do our best,” Wiggins says. “Through this, and her thorough teaching methods, and making sure everyone understands a topic before moving on, she is an excellent instructor.”
Senior Hailey Ferrel feels her favorite teacher is most deserving of the award.
“During this past year, I have noticed how much she actually does for us (her students),” Ferrel said. “As I participate in all of her extracurricular activities she heads and I have taken every class she offers, I know that she is a very busy and very dedicated teacher…. Her dedication to her students is astonishing in every way and deserves every bit of recognition possible.”
Ferrel credits Kornegay with her decision to major in environmental engineering.
“She has always taught me that I can do whatever I want, and why not defy gender norms while I'm at it,” she said. “She has taught me how to exceed in engineering through robotics, and her passion for the environment has surely influenced me, as it is my passion now, as well. Mrs. Kornegay has completely changed my life, and I cannot think of a better person to receive this award.”