Meridian teachers – one a veteran, the other a rookie – look forward to the new school year
Published 5:31 pm Friday, August 3, 2018
- Bianca Moorman / The Meridian StarPhyllis Collier and Katherine Ray, teachers at T.J. Harris Lower Elementary School in Meridian, share the same profession, but differ in experience. Collier has been teaching for 21 years while Ray is a first-year teacher.
Two Meridian teachers with different backgrounds are ready to start the new school year on Monday.
Katherine Ray and Phyllis Collier share the same profession, but differ in experience. Ray is a first-year teacher at T.J. Harris Lower Elementary School, while Collier has been teaching at the school for 21 years.
Ray will be teaching kindergarten while Collier will be teaching first grade after teaching kindergarten for 17 years. Ray brings fresh eyes, while Collier adds some experience to the classroom, but both are still nervous about the start of school.
The veteran educator
Collier started her career as a teaching assistant in 1985 at West Hills Elementary, where she was encouraged by other edcuators to get her teacher’s certification.
During her time as teacher, Collier said she’s become inspired by the kids she’s taught. Some have invited her to their graduations, and others have returned to her classroom to volunteer.
Collier said she teaches because she is compassionate.
“You can’t be in it for the pay,” said Collier.
The new teacher
In high school, Ray had a teacher who she really looked up to, because she really cared about her students.
She became interested in teaching while she was attending East Mississippi Community College, where, as a cheerleader, she had the chance to work with students with special needs. The experience really touched her heart, she said.
At T.J. Harris, Ray thought she was going to teach first grade, but feels blessed to have the opportunity to teach at the kindergarten level.
“I feel like God opened up and lead this position to me,”said Ray.
One thing in common
Despite their different experiences, Ray and Collier do have one thing in common – both say they are there for the kids.
“Patience, understanding and compassion,” said Ray.
In the future, Ray wants to earn a master’s degree, and Collier wants to continue to do what she has enjoyed doing for the last 21 years.
Each teacher might have a different journey ahead, but both agree they are ready for the school year to start.
