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Laura Beth Pennington

Laura Beth Pennington, Franklin County

Where do you teach? Elkhorn Middle School, Franklin County Schools

What subject(s)/grade(s) do you teach? 6th Grade Math

How many years have you taught? 10 years

Why did you become a teacher? I have wanted to be a teacher my entire life. I have known since I was little that teaching was what I was made to do. I came from a family that emphasized education and really pushed me to do my very best. My mamaw was a big part of my desire to become a teacher because she did not have the opportunity to finish school past the 8th grade and she knew the many opportunities that were not available to her because of it. She encouraged me to not only make those opportunities available to myself but to help others have those same opportunities.

What has been the best part of teaching that you didn’t expect when entering the profession? The best part of teaching hands down is building relationships with students that far exceed the limits of the classroom. I love hearing from my past students about where they are now, what they are doing, and what they want to accomplish with their life.

What is one thing you wish non-teachers knew about what you do? I wish non-teachers knew that being a teacher means you are on the job non-stop. My day doesn’t stop when I leave the building.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a teacher? My greatest accomplishment as a teacher is being asked to go to China to teach English.

Favorite thing to do when you aren’t teaching? My favorite thing to do when I am not teaching is to spend time with my dog, Annabelle, and my nieces, Ella and Delaney.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? If I could have a superpower, it would be being able to fly so that I could travel the entire world and see so many of the amazing places.