Teaching might not have been part of his initial career equation, but Thomas County Central High School math teacher Justin Quigg’s decision to become one factored into his selection as the 2022 TCCHS Teacher of the Year.

“I was shocked,” the first-time honoree said of learning the news. “I never thought I would earn such an honor. There are so many other teachers at Central who deserve this honor. I feel that I'm just doing what I think is right and not thinking about winning any awards or recognition.”

Primarily a geometry and algebra II instructor, Quigg holds a bachelor’s in secondary math education from Thomas University and an associate degree in accounting from Southwest Georgia Technical College, now called Southern Regional Technical College.

“I feel that Mr. Quigg deserves to be teacher of the year,” Hayden Morales, 15, an Accelerated Math II student, said. “He is a very good teacher who is understanding and listens to students. Mr. Quigg keeps us on track and teaches us in a way that is easy to remember.”

Quigg’s only taught at TCCHS, from where he graduated in 2003 and where he’s spent the last 12 years as an educator.

“I completed my student teaching here in the spring of 2010,” Quigg said. “Joe Sharp, TCCHS principal at the time, stopped by my room several times during the semester and thought I would be a great fit. I’ll never forget him calling me over the summer, and he asked, ‘Do you want to be a Yellow Jacket?’ I quickly responded with, ‘Of course!’ I enjoy teaching at my alma mater and continuing the traditions of our school.”

However, Quigg did not set out to become a math teacher. Instead, he had a different job surrounded by numbers in mind: accounting.

“I completed my associate’s in accounting and enrolled at Thomas University to earn my bachelor’s,” he said. “Once enrolled, I realized that I no longer wanted to pursue accounting. My best friend, Michael Davis, was a band director at TCCHS and encouraged me to become a math teacher. It was the best decision for my career.”

Why did Quigg choose a career involving mathematics? Simply put, it’s logical.

“I enjoy math because it makes sense to me,” he said. “Every problem has a solution!”

And to help his students make sense of the subject, Quigg strives to offer a laid-back classroom environment conducive to student interaction with their instructor.

“I want my students to feel comfortable talking to me and ask questions when they don’t understand,” Quigg said. “The students that ask questions tend to understand the content better. I want my students to be able to advocate for themselves and know their strengths and weaknesses.”

Student Alex Kantner, 16, appreciates Quigg’s approach.

“Mr. Quigg is different from my other teachers because we have fun in his class, but we also learn a lot,” she said. “Mr. Quigg’s teaching style is very simple but helpful. We always do notes one day and practice the next.”

However, Quigg’s favorite lessons allow students to engage with the subject outside the classroom, whether physically outdoors or discussing how math occurs within the community.

“Sometimes we go outside to find the height of flagpoles, trees, buildings, etc.; other times, we go to the baseball field to put our knowledge of circles to the test,” Quigg said. “I also enjoy discussing real-world examples in our community and how math was used in those situations.”

Morales calls these types of lessons his favorite, too.

“My favorite assignment was when we went outside and used angles to measure the flagpole,” he said. “It was nice to get out of the classroom but still learn.”

Kantner concurs about the flagpole assignment.

“It was fun because we made our device to calculate it,” she said.

Outside his classroom, Quigg sponsors Grad Bash, the annual senior trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, and serves as the stadium announcer at TCCHS home football games.

When off the clock, Quigg stays busy with other interests.

“I currently serve as the music director at The Gathering Church, where I lead the worship team while playing the bass guitar,” he said. “I also enjoy riding my bike around town and spending time with my wife, Maranda, and dog, Pippin.”

Married for six and a half years, Quigg and his wife expect their first child, a daughter, this June. He’s super excited to become a parent.

“I hope to be a parent to my daughter like mine were to me,” Quigg said. “They were always there, and I can still count on them for advice and support. They’re the best parents ever! I want my child to say the same about me.”

Quigg takes his work responsibilities just as seriously. He became TCCHS Math Department chair in 2019 and appreciates the task.

“Mrs. Trista Jones (former principal) thought I would be a great fit for this position, and my career has taken an upward turn since then,” Quigg said. “Opportunities have come my way that I never thought possible and have propelled me to be the teacher I am today. I have been able to develop and hone my leadership skills in this position and plan to continue to grow over the years to come.”

And as Quigg continues along his path, he offers advice to fellow educators that stems from the Bible verse Luke 16:10, which speaks of continuous effort and faith, no matter the venture.

“Be content and faithful in the small tasks of our jobs, and you will be rewarded with blessings beyond measure,” he said. “What you do is important, no matter how big or small.”